Non-Alcoholic Manhattan Recipe
2024 update: we've reworked our take on the non-alcoholic Manhattan to reflect our growing collection of the best alcohol-free spirits and aperitifs on the market. Enjoy!
For the love of one of the most timeless drinks (and cities) of all time, we're mixing up non-alcoholic Manhattans. Melding bitters with non-alcoholic whiskey and a bitter orange aperitif closely mimics the historic drink.
Bitters add complexity and dimension alongside the non-alcoholic whiskey; as for the Roots Divino Aperitif Rosso—think of it as your sweet vermouth replacement. The end result is a multidimensional serve that is potent, slightly bitter, and marked by a bit of spice. Simply mix, stir, strain and you're done!
As for pairing, sip this non-alcoholic Manhattan with a simply seasoned steak (coarse salt-and-pepper will do) on a cozy evening in. If you're hosting, serve with fig and arugula flatbreads.
Total Time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 ounces non-alcoholic whiskey like Monday Zero-Alcohol Whiskey or Spiritless Kentucky 74 (see note)
- 1 ounce Roots Divino Rosso
- 2-4 dashes All the Bitter Aromatic Bitters
- Cherry, to garnish (optional)
TO MIX:
- Pour non-alcoholic whiskey, Roots Divino Ross, and All the Bitter Aromatic Bitters over ice in a mixing glass. Stir to combine and chill.
- Strain into coupe glass.
- Garnish wish a cherry and serve.
History of the Manhattan Cocktail (before the Virgin)
The history of the classy cocktail goes back to mid-1870s and early 1880s. It is said that the Manhattan was invented at a banquet hosted in honor of presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden by Jennie Jerome at the Manhattan Club in New York City. The banquet was a huge success—and the drink got its share of limelight. In future get togethers, people requested for the very same Manhattan Club cocktail—hence the longstanding name. As for the mixologist, Dr. Iain Marshall is said to be the one who concocted this drink.
Traditionally, the standard Manhattan cocktail is a mix of two parts of rye whiskey, one part of sweet vermouth, two dashes of bitters served with a cherry on top. However, people have changed the type of whiskey to suit their taste buds. Now, a variety of whiskey ranging from Bourbon to blended to Canadian to Tennessee are used for making this sultry iconic cocktail.
Like any cocktail, the variation possibilities are many. For a similar vibe with simpler ingredients, you can mix a mocktail of 2 parts of cranberry juice, 2 parts orange juice, ½ teaspoon of cherry juice and ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice along with 2 dashes off orange bitters and served with a garnish of Maraschino cherry for that classic look.
Enjoy.
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