Cherry Chai Manhattan

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(Note: this post was originally published on December 12, 2019. The date above reflects migration to the new platform.)

A Cozy Winter Sip

Faced with short days, cold temperatures, and gray skies, I think we all might be in need of a cocktail with some punch. This Cherry-Chai Manhattan is it. It's boozy, seductive, complexly flavored, and subtly earthy; perfect for unwinding on a cold, dark winter evening.

Of all the cocktails I've created for this blog so far, this one is definitely the most interesting. Its flavor profile is just so darn unique and complex. The bourbon brings notes of vanilla, oak, and even fruit (my recommendation: choose a bourbon with some pronounced vanilla and subtle cherry notes!). Chai bitters add incredible depth of flavor and subtle spiciness, while cinnamon syrup adds warming notes and a bit of sweetness. Finally, Luxardo (an Italian cherry liquor) adds unbelievable richness.

Two Cherry Chai Manhattan cocktails with mixology tools

My New Obsession

Luxardo is my newest cocktail obsession, and I want to thank our friends Erin and Chris for introducing us to it and helping to taste test this cocktail. Cherry liquor sounds like it should be sweet and cough syrupy, and I totally admit to being skeptical initially. But this stuff is the exact opposite. It's hardly sweet at all, and tastes sort of like a cherry rolled around in some really fertile soil (sorry, I mean that in the best way possible!). It acts just like bitters, contributing an indescribable complexity and earthiness.

For the sake of science, Dave and I have been testing a lot of Luxardo cocktails. One of our favorite bars, The Front Porch in Ogunquit Maine, makes a riff on an Old Fashioned (which they call an "In Fashion"); it's basically bourbon, Luxardo, and a cherry shrub (i.e. a vinegar-based infusion). It's excellent and easy to make- I recommend it highly. We've also experimented with Luxardo in margaritas, which is delicious and so unexpected.

Also, please please splurge and get the Luxardo cherries. Yes, they're very expensive. Yes, they're totally worth it.

Two Cherry Chai Manhattan cocktails with cinnamon sticks

An Ode to Bitters

For this drink, I wanted to go with something multi-dimensional and seasonal, hence the addition of the chai spices. Chai tea is so warming and comforting, but also has a very subtle kick, so it seemed like the perfect pairing for the rich Luxardo and deeply-flavored bourbon.

I'm usually able to find chai bitters at artisan foodie or cocktail stores. Keep your eyes out! Bitters last a long time (sort of indefinitely?) and are a super flavor powerhouse. If you like to make cocktails at home, I highly suggest getting yourself a few different kinds of bitters and experimenting with them.

But never fear, this drink can certainly still work without the chai bitters! If possible, use something with wintry spices like cinnamon bitters. Otherwise, whatever you have on-hand is fine. Or, if you don't have chai bitters, make a chai simple syrup (instead of cinnamon; see below) using loose-leaf chai tea and using the exact same method.

Two Cherry Chai Manhattan cocktails, shown from above

Making a Simple Syrup

This cocktail relies upon a simple syrup to get all that wonderful, cozy cinnamon flavor into a drinkable form. If you've never made a simple syrup before, don't let the fancy name intimidate you! It's actually really easy to do at home, and a simple syrup keeps great in the fridge for weeks.

A simple syrup is just a 1:1 mixture of sugar and water, cooked down until it becomes thick and syrupy. It's a great way for capturing flavors that are difficult to get into a liquid form otherwise... for example, cinnamon! Because cinnamon is a solid, you can't readily add it to a cocktail; it won't dissolve (and just awkwardly floats on top, yuck). That's why the simple syrup is a very powerful tool in mixology!

The recipe below will walk you through making a cinnamon simple syrup, using whole cinnamon sticks. But this concept will work for just about anything you can dream up, so don't be afraid to experiment! Herbs, other warming spices, and edible flowers all yield wonderful simple syrups. If you can't find chai bitters, just make a chai simple syrup using chai tea!

Two Cherry Chai Manhattan cocktails with mixology tools

Let's Talk Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for this recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

  • Cinnamon sticks. For making the cinnamon simple syrup!
  • White sugar. Also for the simple syrup. I don't suggest using anything other than good old granulated sugar.
  • Bourbon. In a small, strong drink like a Manhattan, using a quality bourbon is key. I like to mix this one with something solidly middle-shelf like Knobb, Bullleit, or equivalent.
  • Luxardo liqueur
  • Luxardo syrup. This is the magical elixir of life that surrounds the (very expensive) Luxardo cherries in the jar.
  • Chai bitters. Or use any other bitters you have on-hand.
  • Luxardo cherry

Cherry Chai Manhattan close-up

Closing Thoughts

Isn't this such a special, decadent pairing of flavors? Something about the sweet and earthy cherry, cozy boubron, and warming chai spices just feels so luxurious. And luxury is absolutely what you deserve on a chilly winter Friday evening after a long week!

We've totally fallen in love with this cocktail and have made it again and again over the past couple months. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as we have! There's nothing better than sipping one of these in front of the fireplace on a dark evening, when you need a little warming from both the inside and the outside.

Two Cherry Chai Manhattan cocktails with bottles

Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

Suggested Pairings

Maple Sea Salt Hummus

Orange and Cinnamon Roasted Delicata Squash

Roasted Brussel Sprout Waldorf Salad

Creamy Vegan Kabocha Squash Soup with Fall Herbs

Chai-Spiced Pear Crumble Bars

Cherry Chai Manhattan

A seductive winter sip, this boozy Manhattan unites bourbon with sweet cherry and cozy chai spices. It's a favorite in our house for date night!

Author:
Lee

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Simple Syrup

  • 6 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 c water
  • 1 c granulated white sugar

For the Cocktail

  • 2 oz high-quality bourbon
  • 0.5 oz Luxardo liqueur
  • 0.25-0.5 oz cinnamon simple syrup
  • Barspoon of Luxardo cherry syrup
  • Few dashes of chai bitters
  • Luxardo cherry

Instructions

  1. To make the cinnamon simple syrup, combine the cinnamon sticks with the water and sugar, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a low boil. Boil until the mixture has reduced significantly and turned a light amber color. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Keep an eye on it and don't let it go too far.
  2. Strain the simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any wayward cinnamon stick bits.
  3. Put the simple syrup in a jar or container and chill it for several hours.
  4. To make the cocktail, combine everything except the cherry in a cocktail stirring glass, then stir well with ice.
  5. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

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Please Share Your Thoughts!

Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.

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