Named the Mahogany Manhattan for its deep reddish-brown color this cherry chocolate Manhattan variation is sweet, earthy and spicy. Perfect sipping for these long winter nights.
And by “long winter nights” I mean “loooong ass dark and relentless black holes.” Sometimes they’re manageable. But other times, they require a game plan for making it through to the finish line. My plan of action lately has been putting a spin on one of my all-time favorite cocktails with this cherry chocolate Manhattan variation.
Now I think a “cherry chocolate Manhattan” sounds much sweeter than this cocktail actually tastes. There is bourbon and Heering cherry liqueur so it definitely has some sweetness. But it’s balanced out with dry vermouth and the chocolate bitters. You’d think those bitters would be sweet but the Bitter Truth kind that I use are spicy and earthy. When stirred together with everything else and the oils from the orange rind, this cocktail hits all the right notes.
And even though it’s served chilled, the bourbon warms you up from the inside. In fact, a Mahogany Manhattan is tailor-made for folks, like me, who don’t have a fireplace.
I do have fleece blankets and a fluffy pink robe. But it’s hard to look sexy in those.
But now we can beat winter at its own game, staying warm and looking sexy sipping on one of these cherry chocolate Manhattan cocktail variations.
And, if I can be a cheerleader for just a minute, we are in the home stretch now. The shortest day of the year will be here soon and in early January we should start noticing the light lasting a little longer.
So hang tight. And keep sipping.
Bourbon lovers can also try:
Named the Mahogany Manhattan for its deep reddish-brown color this cherry chocolate Manhattan variation is sweet, earthy and spicy. Perfect sipping for these long winter nights.
- 4 ounces bourbon
- 2 ounces Heering cherry liqueur
- 2 ounces dry white vermouth
- 4 shakes chocolate bitters
- 2 Luxardo cherries
- 2 orange rind twists
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Add all ingredients to an ice filled cocktail shaker. Stir well.
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Strain into chilled coupe glass.
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Run the orange twist along the rim of the glass. Garnish and serve.
Calorie information is an approximation for one cocktail. It will vary according to exact ingredients used and serving size.
This is so beautiful Christine! I might try it even if I didn’t love bourbon, but I do love bourbon, so this one is a “must!”
I hope you love it! xo