If you already like a Manhattan, this version won’t ask you to relearn anything. It’s still spirit-forward, still structured, still very much itself. The only change is the sweetener, and even that is more about texture than flavor. Maple syrup rounds things out in a way simple syrup doesn’t, especially in colder months when sharper edges can feel a bit exposed.
The key is restraint. Maple has a habit of taking over if you let it, but used sparingly it behaves more like a seasoning than a flavoring. You still taste the rye first. The vermouth still does the heavy lifting. What the maple adds is a sense of warmth and continuity, making the drink feel slightly more settled without tipping it into novelty or dessert territory. It’s a seasonal adjustment rather than a twist.
Here is the recipe
Maple Manhattan
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- ¼ oz pure maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Cherry or orange peel, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the rye, sweet vermouth, maple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a cherry or a strip of orange peel.
Nutrition
Variations
- Use bourbon instead of rye for a softer, rounder profile
- Try a rich vermouth for a darker, more decadent finish
- Add one dash of orange bitters alongside Angostura for extra lift
Why Lush Life Loves This
This works because the maple smooths the drink just enough to feel intentional without changing its identity. It’s still a Manhattan you could order or make on autopilot, just slightly better suited to winter evenings when you want something familiar but a touch more forgiving.
FAQ
Can I use bourbon instead of rye?
Yes. Bourbon will make the drink slightly sweeter and smoother, while rye keeps it sharper and more traditional.
Does maple syrup make the drink too sweet?
Not at this proportion. Using just ¼ oz adds depth and warmth without overwhelming the cocktail.
What’s the best vermouth for a Maple Manhattan?
Any quality sweet vermouth works well. Choose one you’d happily sip on its own, and store it in the fridge once opened.
If you’re in a Manhattan frame of mind, this sits comfortably alongside a Black Manhattan or a classic Manhattan, especially if you tend to drink them more in winter. For something even softer and more indulgent, a Brown Butter Old Fashioned takes the same idea in a different direction, while an Espresso Martini offers a sharper shift when you want to move away from whiskey altogether without losing structure.