Manhattan Cocktail – How to Make It Even Better
Running low on sweet vermouth? Prune juice may not be your first thought for a substitute…but it works! Our riff on the classic Manhattan cocktail removes the vermouth entirely, creating a smooth, sophisticated drink with a little less bite. We’ve also updated the garnish with a lemony, syrupy California prune.
What is a Manhattan Drink?
The Manhattan is a timeless cocktail known for its balance of sweet and bitter flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy whiskey-based drinks with a touch of sophistication. It’s typically made with a combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
Here’s how we make our version that includes both syrupy prunes and prune juice.
For the syrupy prunes
- Lemon peel
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Water
- California prunes
For the cocktail
- Rye whiskey
- California prune juice
- Angostura bitters
- Lemon peel, for garnish
- 1 syrupy prune, for garnish
How to Serve a Manhattan Cocktail
Serving a Manhattan cocktail involves a few key steps to ensure that the drink is presented properly and enjoyed to its fullest. Here’s how to serve a Manhattan:
- Use the Right Glass: A Manhattan is traditionally served in a stemmed cocktail glass, such as a martini glass, coupe glass or a nick and nora glass. These glasses have an elegant and classic appearance that complements the cocktail’s sophisticated nature.
- Chill the Glass: Place the glass you’ll be serving the Manhattan in the freezer or refrigerator for a few minutes to chill it. This helps maintain the cocktail’s temperature and keeps it refreshing.
- Prepare the Cocktail: Follow the Manhattan cocktail recipe below. Ensure that you’ve mixed the whiskey, prune juice, and bitters with ice and properly stirred and shaken the drink.
- Strain into the Glass: Ppour the chilled Manhattan mixture into the chilled cocktail glass. This helps filter out any ice or citrus pulp, leaving a clear and clean cocktail.
- Garnish: Add the final touch to your Manhattan by garnishing it. Traditionally, you can garnish with a maraschino cherry or a twist of orange peel. Our updated version is garnished with a skewered syrupy prune and a lemon peel.
- Serve Immediately: Manhattans are best enjoyed fresh, so serve it promptly after preparation. The chilled glass and cocktail will help maintain the ideal drinking temperature.
Manhattans are a classic and sophisticated cocktail, and serving them in the right glass, properly chilled, and garnished beautifully will level up your cocktail game. Remember, enjoy your Manhattan responsibly!
Other Prune Cocktails Worth Trying
Stormy Sparkler
Customize this bubbly, refreshing Champagne cocktail with your choice of sparkling wine or sparkling water. Either way, this fun prune juice Stormy Sparkler recipe from KC of G-Free Foodie is completely delicious.
MAKE THE COCKTAIL
Fractured Prune Cocktail
Fractured Prune Bourbon Cocktail – a gorgeous creation from our friends at Hawks Public House. California prunes add subtle sweetness to their signature Pear Prune Shrub, the secret ingredient in this dreamy drink. Cheers!
MAKE THE COCKTAIL
California Prune Manhattan
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
For the syrupy prunes
- Peel from 1 lemon
- 2 TBSP lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whole California prunes gently rolled into spheres
For the cocktail
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1 ounce California prune juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lemon peel for garnish
- 1 syrupy prune for garnish
Instructions
For the syrupy prunes
- In a small sauce pan, combine the lemon juice, lemon peel, sugar, and water. Heat until boiling and stir to dissolve the sugar. Cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly, then remove from the heat. Add the prunes to a mason jar, and pour the syrup over. Cover and cool, and store these in the fridge until ready to use.
For the cocktail
- Add the rye whiskey, prune juice, and bitters to a cocktail shaker, and stir to combine. Add enough ice to fill the shaker about halfway, then close and shake vigorously. Pour into a nick and nora or martini glass and garnish with a skewered syrupy prune and a lemon peel!