I love giving classic cocktails a bit of a holiday spin. A Manhattan is smooth and timeless, but with just a few tweaks, it can really capture those cozy Christmas flavors.
You can take a simple drink and turn it into something that feels perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Here are five easy variations that bring in holiday touches—think fruit, spice, and a little sweetness. Each one stays true to the Manhattan’s heart, but with a fresh, seasonal twist.
1) Cranberry Manhattan with Rosemary
Making my Manhattan a bit more festive is as easy as adding some cranberry juice. Cranberry Manhattan with Rosemary brings a tart, bright flavor that really plays off the whiskey.
The deep red color just screams “holiday,” doesn’t it?
I stick with rye whiskey and sweet vermouth to keep things classic. The cranberry adds fruitiness but doesn’t overpower.
Honestly, it’s still got that strong backbone I like.
A little sprig of rosemary on top is my go-to garnish. The scent is woodsy and fresh, almost like a walk in the winter woods.
It’s simple, but it changes everything.
Shaking the cranberry juice with the whiskey and vermouth before straining really helps blend everything together.
I love how the rosemary garnish looks—so clean and elegant.
Sometimes I’ll gently rub the rosemary to get more aroma. It pairs so well with the cranberry and whiskey.
Doesn’t take much to make this feel special.
You don’t need a bunch of extra stuff for this one. I enjoy it because it’s festive but not fussy.
Cranberry and rosemary together bring a holiday vibe to a classic Manhattan.
2) Spiced Orange Manhattan
This Spiced Orange Manhattan is what I make when I want something warm and a bit zesty for the holidays.
It’s still a Manhattan, but with a nice citrusy kick.
I start with rye whiskey—it’s got a bold flavor that holds up. Then I add in sweet vermouth to mellow things out.
A few dashes of orange bitters bring in that holiday brightness.
I’ll twist a piece of orange peel over the glass and drop it in. The oils make the whole drink smell amazing.
It’s a small touch, but it really wakes things up.
For a little extra warmth, I’ll add a pinch of ground cinnamon or even stir with a cinnamon stick.
Keeps things simple but cozy.
I stir with ice until it’s nice and cold, then strain into a coupe glass.
It comes out smooth and just a bit spiced.
This one always looks good with the orange peel garnish. I can whip it up fast, no stress.
Friends always comment on the citrus scent.
The orange and spice really make it feel like a holiday drink.
3) Maple Walnut Manhattan
If I want a warm and nutty twist on my Manhattan, this is my pick. Maple syrup and walnut bitters make it taste like the holidays.
It’s simple but feels a bit extra for Christmas.
Rye whiskey is my base here—it balances out the maple’s sweetness.
Just a little maple syrup goes a long way; I don’t want it too sweet.
Walnut bitters bring in an earthy note that works so well with whiskey.
I stir it with ice, and everything comes together smoothly.
The Maple Walnut Manhattan stays rich but not too heavy, which I appreciate. I usually serve it in a chilled coupe glass.
Keeps it crisp and classy.
For garnish, I twist an orange peel over the top. The citrus brightens things up.
Sometimes I’ll toss in a cherry for a little extra color.
This Maple Walnut Manhattan always feels festive and familiar.
It’s just different enough to surprise guests, but not too wild.
4) Pomegranate Manhattan Twist
Adding pomegranate juice to my Manhattan is an easy way to make it feel like a holiday treat.
The tartness balances the vermouth’s sweetness, and the color is just perfect for Christmas.
I mix rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a splash of pomegranate juice.
A quick stir with ice, strain into a glass, and it’s ready to go.
I like to garnish with pomegranate seeds or maybe an orange peel.
The seeds look gorgeous in the glass, and if you eat them, there’s a nice little crunch.
This Pomegranate Manhattan Twist is a bit lighter than the classic, but the whiskey still shines through.
The pomegranate keeps it seasonal without overdoing it.
Whenever I serve this at parties, people ask for the recipe.
It’s easy to make in small batches—great for a holiday toast.
5) Gingerbread Manhattan
You know, there’s something about giving a gingerbread twist to a classic Manhattan that just feels right in December. It turns the Gingerbread Manhattan into this cozy, holiday treat—like, seriously, why not?
The mix of spice and sweetness makes it pop, but it never gets too heavy or cloying. I always reach for rye whiskey as my base because it’s bold enough to stand up to the other flavors.
Then comes sweet vermouth, and of course, a splash of gingerbread syrup. That syrup brings in all those ginger, cinnamon, and clove notes—honestly, it smells a little like cookies baking.
I just stir everything over ice until it’s nice and cold. After that, I strain it into a coupe glass, which always feels a bit fancy.
A little orange peel garnish on top gives it this bright, citrusy aroma that cuts through the deeper spices. Sometimes I can’t resist adding a tiny dash of aromatic bitters too.
It keeps things from getting too sweet and just sort of ties all the flavors together.
