Manhattan Mocktail Recipe

The Manhattan, But Make It A Mocktail!

Ingredients for a Manhattan Mocktail

Virgin Manhattan Ingredients

• Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternative: 2 oz (60 ml) - Provides the deep, complex flavors typical of whiskey.
• Sweet Vermouth Alternative: 1 oz (30 ml) - Adds sweetness and a rich, herbaceous note.
• Angostura Bitters: 2-3 dashes - Adds depth and a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness.
• Cherry Juice: 1/2 oz (15 ml) - Adds a touch of sweetness and complements the other flavors.
• Ice Cubes: 1 cup (as needed) - To keep the drink chilled and refreshing.
• Maraschino Cherry: For garnish - Enhances the presentation and adds an extra burst of flavor.

Optional Ingredients

• Orange Bitters: 1 dash - Adds a citrusy note to the drink.
• Orange Peel: For garnish - Provides an aromatic and visual appeal.
• Simple Syrup: 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) - For added sweetness if desired.

Instructions

How to Make a Virgin Manhattan

1. Prepare the Glass: Start by selecting a cocktail glass. Chill the glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz (60 ml) of non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, 1 oz (30 ml) of sweet vermouth alternative, 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters, and 1/2 oz (15 ml) of cherry juice. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) of simple syrup.
3. Add Ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes. This will chill the mixture and slightly dilute it to balance the flavors.
4. Stir the Mixture: Stir the ingredients gently with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds. This ensures the drink is well-mixed and chilled without overly diluting it.
5. Strain and Pour: Discard the ice water from the chilled cocktail glass. Using a strainer, pour the mixed drink into the prepared cocktail glass.
6. Garnish: Garnish your virgin Manhattan mocktail with a maraschino cherry and, if desired, an orange peel twist for an aromatic touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Your mocktail is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve immediately while it's still cold and aromatic.

Optional Additions

1. Orange Bitters: Add a dash of orange bitters for a citrusy twist.
2. Herbal Touch: Experiment with a few drops of herbal bitters for a unique flavor profile.
3. Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced version.

Preparation

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternative: Choose a high-quality non-alcoholic whiskey alternative that mimics the complexity and depth of real whiskey.
2. Sweet Vermouth Alternative: Use a sweet vermouth alternative with rich, herbaceous notes to capture the essence of the classic Manhattan.
3. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cherry juice and high-quality bitters to enhance the overall flavor profile of the mocktail.
4. Chilled Glass: Always chill your cocktail glass before serving to maintain the drink’s temperature and enhance the drinking experience.

Steps for Perfect Preparation

1. Mixing: Combine the non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, sweet vermouth alternative, bitters, and cherry juice in a mixing glass with ice. Stir gently to mix and chill the ingredients without over-diluting the drink.
2. Straining: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass to ensure a smooth, well-mixed drink free of ice shards.
3. Garnishing: Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an optional twist of orange peel to add both visual appeal and aromatic complexity.

Tips for Enhancing the Experience

1. Chilled Glass: For an extra refreshing experience, chill the cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes before preparing the mocktail.
2. Adjusting Sweetness: Taste and adjust the sweetness according to your preference. Add more cherry juice or simple syrup if you like a sweeter drink.
3. Flavor Infusions: Experiment with infusing the non-alcoholic whiskey with spices like cinnamon or vanilla for added complexity.
4. Herbal Garnishes: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.

Ways to Serve Manhattan Mocktails

Traditional Serving Method

1. Cocktail Glass: The classic way to serve a virgin Manhattan is in a cocktail glass. This not only looks elegant but also enhances the drinking experience.
2. Garnished with Cherry: Garnish the drink with a maraschino cherry. This adds a traditional touch and complements the flavors.
3. Orange Peel: Include a twist of orange peel for added aroma and visual appeal.

Elegant Presentation

1. Martini Glass: For a more sophisticated presentation, serve the Manhattan mocktail in a martini glass. This offers a touch of elegance and makes the drink feel more special.
2. Herbal Garnish: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a subtle flavor.
3. Rimmed with Spices: Rim the glass with a mixture of sugar and spices like cinnamon for a unique touch.

Fun and Festive Approach

1. Vintage Glassware: Serve the Manhattan mocktail in vintage glassware for a nostalgic feel. This is perfect for themed parties or special occasions.
2. Fruit Garnishes: Add slices of orange, lemon, or even berries to the glass. The bright colors of the fruit complement the deep hues of the mocktail.
3. Decorative Picks: Use decorative cocktail picks to hold the cherry garnish, adding a playful and festive element.

Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas

1. Plastic Cups: For children's parties, serve the virgin Manhattan in sturdy plastic cups. This ensures safety while still providing a fun drink experience.
2. Candy Garnishes: Add a fun twist by garnishing with gummy candies or candy sticks. These edible decorations are sure to be a hit with the younger crowd.
3. Silly Straws: Include bendy or silly straws that make drinking the mocktail even more fun.

Party Punch Bowl Service

1. Punch Bowl: For large gatherings, prepare a big batch of the Manhattan mocktail in a punch bowl. This allows guests to serve themselves and ensures you can cater to a crowd.
2. Floating Fruit: Add a variety of fruit slices and herbs to the punch bowl. The floating garnishes add visual appeal and flavor.
3. Ice Ring: Create an ice ring with cherries and orange slices frozen inside. This not only keeps the punch cold but also adds a decorative touch.

Notes

Variations of the Manhattan Mocktail

1. Fruit Infused Virgin Manhattan: Add fresh fruits like berries, apple slices, or figs for a fruity twist. Muddle the fruits gently with the other ingredients before mixing to create a smooth and flavorful mocktail.
2. Spicy Manhattan: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. This variation adds a unique twist to the classic virgin Manhattan.
3. Herbal Manhattan: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic twist. Muddle the herbs gently with the other ingredients before mixing.
4. Citrus Manhattan: Add a splash of fresh orange or lemon juice for a citrusy note. This adds brightness and a refreshing twist to the mocktail.

Common Questions

1. Can I use different types of sweeteners?
   • Yes, you can use various types of sweeteners, such as honey, agave syrup, or stevia, to sweeten your virgin Manhattan. Each type of sweetener will add a different flavor profile to the drink.
2. What can I use instead of sweet vermouth alternative?
   • If you don’t have a sweet vermouth alternative, you can use a mixture of grape juice and a few drops of herbal bitters to mimic the flavor.
3. How do I make a large batch for a party?
   • To make a large batch, scale up the ingredients proportionally and mix them in a pitcher or punch bowl. Add ice and garnishes just before serving to keep the drink fresh.
4. Can I make a Manhattan mocktail ahead of time?
   • It’s best to prepare the virgin Manhattan fresh to maintain its balanced flavor. However, you can prepare the non-alcoholic whiskey, sweet vermouth alternative, and cherry juice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the bitters and ice just before serving.

Manhattan Mocktail Nutrition Information

Nutritional Breakdown per Serving

• Calories: 60-80 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 10-20 mg (varies based on the type of non-alcoholic whiskey and vermouth alternatives used)
• Total Carbohydrates: 16-20 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugars: 14-18 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Vitamin C: 10-20% of the Daily Value (DV) (from cherry juice)
• Calcium: 1-2% of the DV
• Iron: 0-1% of the DV

Detailed Nutritional Insights

1. Calories: The majority of the calories in the virgin Manhattan come from the sugars in the cherry juice and the added simple syrup. This makes it a relatively low-calorie beverage.
2. Sugars: With 14-18 grams of sugars per serving, the Manhattan mocktail recipe is moderately sweet. The sugars come from the cherry juice and the added simple syrup, providing the drink's refreshing taste.
3. Carbohydrates: The total carbohydrate content is moderate, mainly from the sugars. Carbohydrates provide the energy that makes this mocktail a quick source of fuel.
4. Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, making this drink suitable for those who are watching their salt intake. The sodium level can vary depending on the type of non-alcoholic whiskey and vermouth alternatives used.
5. Vitamins and Minerals: The virgin Manhattan is a good source of Vitamin C due to the cherry juice, which is essential for immune function and skin health. It also contains small amounts of calcium and iron.
6. Fats and Proteins: The mocktail contains no fats or proteins, making it a purely carbohydrate-based beverage.

Cheers!