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Manhattan (Sweet with Bitter Chocolate)

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (83)
Manhattan (Sweet with Bitter Chocolate) image
Measurements in:
Serves:
1
Ingredients
2 fl oz Bourbon whiskey
3⁄4 fl oz Strucchi Rosso Vermouth
1⁄6 fl oz Brown/dark crème de cacao liqueur
1⁄6 fl oz Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
6 drop Chocolate bitters

Read about cocktail measures and measuring

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How to make

Glassware

Serve in a Coupe glass

Prepare

  1. Select and pre-chill a COUPE GLASS.
  2. Prepare garnish of square of 80% cacao chocolate.

Method

  1. STIR all ingredients with ice.
  2. FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. Garnish with chocolate balanced on rim.

Flavour Profile

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
More cocktails with similar strength and taste profile

Health & Nutrition

Nutrition:

One serving of Manhattan (Sweet with Bitter Chocolate) contains 211 calories

Alcohol content:

  • 1.9 standard drinks
  • 28.43% alc./vol. (56.86° proof)
  • 26.4 grams of pure alcohol

Allergens:

Recipe contains the following allergens:

Values stated for alcohol and calorie content, and number of drinks an ingredient makes should be considered approximate.

History

Created by yours truly in April 2017 at the Cabinet Room in London, England.
See: Manhattan cocktail history

More cocktails by Simon Difford

Review

Those with a sweet tooth should not be misled by the word "sweet" in the name of this drink, which refers to the use of sweet vermouth in what is a dry but not bone-dry spirituous cocktail. Bourbon provides the backbone, maraschino a faint cherry fruitiness, while the all-important chocolate bitters add, well, bitter chocolate notes. Oh, and there's a dash of dark chocolate liqueur for decadence sake.

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$3.61 per cocktail*

Makes a minimum of 6 cocktails.
Shipping and applicable tax calculated at checkout.


Orders are processed by a licensed Fulproof retailer. The buy now button is added simply for convenience.

Checkout

* May not include all ingredients. Price per cocktail is an estimate based on cost of one cocktail with ingredients shown above and does not include shipping.

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Comments & Discussion

Eggs Actley
Excellent cocktail. I made it with a bib bourbon. Subtle sweetness and easily adjustable to my guests tastes.
score: 1
Anna Thompson
Really very delicious!
score: 2
Mookie Premium Member
for me this is exactly what I want from a Manhattan variation. still feels like a classic cocktail with the addition of cherry and chocolate
score: 1
Justin Aniello
Underwhelmed at first but enjoyed it more as it warmed up a little. The chocolate didn't come through nearly as much when it was cold which meant the maraschino was a little too dominating. Very nice manhattan variation once everything came through.
score: 1
Rachel L
I ran out of whiskey so I made this with cognac instead for a nice simple variation. Afterwards I made another addition - adding 1 fl oz of cream and an amarena cherry for a delightful dessert cocktail (shaken). More of a variation of a Brandy Alexander, but still delightful.
score: 1
John CARR Premium Member
Wonderful chocolate manhattan for Easter. A new favourite! We used rye.
score: 1
Kevin Haynes Premium Member
I can't believe I haven't had this one before, or maybe I did years ago and didn't comment. But, Simon, this is TOO delicious! What have you done? 😁
score: 2
Simon Difford Verified User Premium Member
Thanks, Kevin. I must revisit. Seems appropriate Manhattan for an Easter weekend.
score: 1
Katie Winder
Used Antica and my new Sirene Chocolate liqueur from Sheringham distillery in Victoria, B.C., and Scrappy's chocolate bitters. Dang, this is an excellent drink. It's like a decadent after-dinner drink but not overly sweet and still a Manhattan at heart.
score: 1
sal curreri
Used Antica and enjoyed with 90% cocoa dark chocolate. At first seemed a bit too dry but more balanced sip by sip. Thanks for this variation.
score: 1
John Hinojos Premium Member
Having this as our aperitif on Easter. Wonderful hints of cocoa and cherry. Light herbal and smoky taste from the bourbon. Wonderful. Had with prosciutto and gruyere in puff pastry
Thanks Simon, you added to our Easter celebration.
score: 1
Simon Difford Verified User Premium Member
My pleasure.
score: 0

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Difford’s Shop logo
$3.61 per cocktail*

Makes a minimum of 6 cocktails.
Shipping and applicable tax calculated at checkout.


Orders are processed by a licensed Fulproof retailer. The buy now button is added simply for convenience.

Checkout

* May not include all ingredients. Price per cocktail is an estimate based on cost of one cocktail with ingredients shown above and does not include shipping.

Visit Difford’s Shop USA

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