Cinnamon Apple Cider Manhattan

Cinnamon Apple Cider Manhattan.  Doesn’t that sound delicious?

I’ve spent some time this fall playing around with seasonal flavors, namely apples, apple cider and cinnamon. No nutmeg or pumpkin here, thanks anyway. I wanted to create drinks that I would crave in the fall; that would remind me of the season; that would be simple and really delicious. Today’s featured cocktail is a twist on the traditional manhattan. And it’s a risk considering how purists feel about their manhattans, but this one is worth trying if you’re willing to loosen the reigns. My Cinnamon Apple Cider Manhattan is, at its heart, a manhattan because of the whiskey base, but its different, in a good way.

A manhattan is made from whiskey (usually rye but can be bourbon), sweet vermouth, bitters and a lemon twist or cherry. It has a complex flavor: smoky, woody, a bit sweet. My version is lighter because I use Jameson Irish Whiskey (it’s very smooth) and cinnamon apple cider simple syrup instead of the sweet vermouth. There’s no lack of flavor though, the apple and cinnamon complement the Irish whiskey and would work well with rye and bourbon, too, if you prefer Jack Daniels, Makers Mark or Bulleit for example.

Cinnamon Apple Cider Manhattan with Jameson

Ingredients for the manhattan:

• 4oz Jameson
• 1oz cinnamon apple cider simple syrup
• lemon or cherry for garnish

Directions:

• Fill shaker with ice
• Add Jameson and simple syrup
• Stir with a long handled spoon to mix well and chill
• Strain into an old style cocktail glass
• Garnish with lemon wedge, lemon twist or a cherry

To make the Cinnamon Apple Cider simple syrup:

Simple Syrup Ingredients

• 1c sugar
• 1c apple cider
• 1/4t ground cinnamon

Directions:

• Put sugar, cinnamon and apple cider in a pot
• Bring to a boil
• Reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes
• Remove from heat and set aside to cool
• the ratio for simple syrup is 1 to 1 sugar to water, so you can make a smaller batch if you want, leftover syrup can be stored in the fridge for 2 weeks

If manhattans aren’t your thing and maybe you’d like a martini version’go check out A Dish of Daily Life. Michelle’s going to have a Cinnamon Apple Cider martini on her blog in the next few days and you definitely don’t want to miss it.

As for the cinnamon apple cider simple syrup? I’ve used it in both drinks mentioned here (manhattan and martini), I’ve also used it in a hot toddy (recipe to come), and on the most amazing French toast and cinnamon toast, “Best we’ve ever had” according to my family. It’s very versatile; you could even mix it with ginger ale or sprite for a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage.

What would you use the syrup on? Are you going to try the manhattan or mix it up with something else? I’d love to hear what you do with it.

As always, please drink responsibly.

Cheers!