Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to the classic cocktail, making it perfect for chilly fall and winter nights. This smooth, sweet and strong sipper is soon to be a new favorite!
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About this Maple Manhattan recipe
The classic Manhattan is a smooth, spirit-forward cocktail that’s got elegance in spades. This maple twist takes the timeless recipe and transforms it into a slightly sweeter, softer version.
Now, I’m pro maple syrup. Obviously it pairs perfectly with pancakes, waffles, French toast… but why stop there? In a cocktail, it not only adds a bit of sweetness, but also notes of vanilla, toffee and caramel.
While the traditional Manhattan can be enjoyed anytime, this maple version is a transformation to bring the drink into the fall and winter months.
Note from the author
2025 update: I first published this recipe back in 2016, but I have since I updated it with new photos and even more tips for making the best-ever Maple Manhattan. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the Manhattan and I know you are going to love it!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s an easy way to transform a classic recipe. The addition of maple syrup gives new flavor notes to the iconic cocktail.
- Perfect for enjoying on a quiet evening or festive happy hour. This drink can be dressed up or down to fit the occasion.
- It’s good for beginning bartenders. This sipper looks impressive but is simple to make!
More whiskey recipes: Maple Old-Fashioned Cocktail • Boozy Maple Bourbon Milkshake • Homemade Cinnamon Whiskey
Tools & glassware
A maple Manhattan comes together without anything outside of the basics. You’ll need a mixing glass and a bar spoon — not a cocktail shaker. (I have been known to use a shaker as a mixing glass now and then.) Plus some ice cubes to chill the mixture.
You can serve a Manhattan one of two ways:
- neat, meaning without ice, in a coupe glass, martini glass or other cocktail glass like a nick & nora glass.
- on the rocks, or with ice, in a rocks glass.
Don’t forget a vegetable peeler for the orange peel garnish and maybe cocktail picks for the cocktail cherries.
essential bar tools
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Ingredients
Here’s what you need to craft the perfect maple Manhattan:
- Rye whiskey: The spicy notes pair perfectly with the sweetness of the maple syrup, but you can use bourbon in a pinch.
- Dry vermouth: Dry vermouth is paler in color and much drier than sweet vermouth, and fits this recipe better.
- Pure maple syrup: Make sure you’re using real maple syrup for that signature maple flavor — it’s the most important part of the recipe.
- Aromatic bitters: Angostura are one of the most common types, but you can use whatever you have on-hand.
- Orange zest: Garnish your sipper with a splash of citrus to compliment the sweetness.
- Ice: Depending on how you’ll serve your sip, a large ice cube will prevent your drink from becoming watered down.
favorite ice molds
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👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
Best maple syrup for drinks
Always get real maple syrup for cocktails (and pancakes too.) You want the good stuff — the kind that’s tapped from a maple tree! Check the label to make sure the ingredients list 100% pure maple syrup. You don’t want to see “high-fructose corn syrup” or “maple flavoring” anywhere. It should say “100% maple” and list nothing else.
There are a few grades of maple syrup: golden, amber, dark or very dark. The darker the color, the stronger the maple taste.
- Golden is the sweetest and lightest in color, with a delicate flavor of maple.
- Amber is a bit darker with a deeper flavor. Probably what you’re used to for waffles!
- Dark and very dark have a much more rich, pronounced maple flavor. To me, dark maple syrup is the best grade of maple syrup.
Sometimes maple syrup is barrel-aged or infused with other flavors — I love to make a spiced maple syrup. -This applewood-smoked maple syrup is on my list to try!
Shop local syrup if you can! Here in North Carolina, my favorite syrup comes from Waterfall Farm Maple Syrup. This farm is run by some family friends of ours who are just the kindest, most wonderful human beings in the world. And their maple syrup happens to be delicious. They are one of the southernmost commercial maple producers in the country (if not the southernmost). Vermont and Canada get lots of maple love, but it’s so amazing to have a maple syrup farm right here in N.C.!
Substitutions & variations
Despite being classic recipes, these drinks can still be very versatile! Try a different twist to find your favorite:
- You can sub bourbon for rye or even a flavored whiskey like honey whiskey or cinnamon whiskey.
- You can try different kinds of bitters (check out my list of the best bitters brands for some new flavors to add to your home bar).
Instructions
Without further ado, here’s how to craft the perfect maple Manhattan!
First, add the whiskey, vermouth and maple syrup to your mixing glass *.
Add a few ice cubes and stir gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
Pour your drink into the glass of your choice and add the bitters, then garnish with a piece of orange zest and enjoy!
Tips & tricks
- Skip the shaking on this cocktail! Since this is a spirit-forward cocktails, meaning there are no non-alcoholic mixers, so it’s better to stir them together to ensure the best flavor and less dilution.
- A large ice cube will stop your drink from becoming watered down since it melts more slowly than smaller cubes. You can also skip the ice entirely and instead chill the drink while you mix it.
Food pairings
Since the maple Manhattan has an air of elegance, match it with your menu! Charcuterie cups are hard to beat, especially when you pair them with puff pastry cheese twists for an added crunch. Spinach artichoke dip comes together in 30 minutes, but is sure to wow. Need something sweet? Try chai snickerdoodles for a sweet-and-spicy combination.
FAQ
Manhattans can be made with rye whiskey or bourbon whiskey, which are both types of American whiskey. Bourbon is smoother and sweeter, while rye whiskey has a little more of a spiced kick to it. Stay away from cheap whiskey and choose a middle-of-the-road or premium whiskey brand for this spirit-forward cocktail.
You can easily make this recipe for a group, just multiply the ingredients and combine them. Store the mixture in the fridge until ready to serve. Pour into glasses (neat in coupe glasses or on the rocks in old-fashioned glasses) and top with a dash of bitters, a cherry and/or an orange peel just before serving.
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Maple Manhattan
ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- ¼ to ½ ounce ounce maple syrup
- 2 dashes grapefruit bitters *
- ice
- 1 piece orange zest, for garnish
instructions
- To a cocktail shaker * filled with ice, combine whiskey, vermouth and syrup. Shake vigorously.
- Meanwhile, add ice to a rocks glass * (if desired) and fill with cocktail. Add 2 dashes bitter on top of each drink. Garnish with a cocktail cherry *.
notes
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