Elevate Your Holiday Season with a Cranberry Spice Manhattan Cocktail

Discover your new favorite holiday tradition: the Cranberry Spice Manhattan. This exquisite cocktail features whiskey infused with the delightful flavors of cranberry and warming spices, setting it apart as the perfect happy hour indulgence throughout the festive season.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Stirrings. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

There’s an undeniable comfort in a well-crafted cocktail after a particularly long day, isn’t there? Whether it’s the culmination of a busy work week or the festive frenzy of the holiday season, a moment of tranquility with a sophisticated drink can make all the difference. This past week, in particular, has felt like a marathon, and the arrival of Friday couldn’t be more welcome. While the end of the year usually brings a sense of time flying by, this past week has truly meandered, making every hour feel like an eternity.

It’s akin to slogging through thick mud; finding my footing and regaining momentum has been a genuine challenge. In moments like these, the simple act of preparing a thoughtful, delicious cocktail becomes more than just a drink – it transforms into a cherished ritual. It’s a signal to unwind, to shift gears from the day’s demands, and to usher in the evening with a touch of elegance and warmth, especially during the bustling holiday season.

The Art of the Evening Cocktail Ritual

My evening cocktail ritual is more than just mixing ingredients; it’s a deliberate pause, a mindful transition that helps me close out the day on a positive note and embark on the evening feeling refreshed. This practice is especially meaningful during the holidays when life can feel both magical and overwhelming. To ensure these moments are nothing short of perfect, I consistently turn to Stirrings, a brand synonymous with quality and exceptional flavor in the world of cocktail mixers and bar essentials.

Why Stirrings Elevates Every Drink

Stirrings is an incredible company renowned for its premium mixers, rimming mixes, and essential bar ingredients. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to quality, ensuring that every product bursts with vibrant flavor, leading to truly outstanding cocktails. Our home bar is perpetually stocked with their comprehensive collection of bar ingredients, which includes staples like simple syrup, dirty martini mix, blood orange bitters, and grenadine – all of which I utilize frequently in my cocktail creations. I’m particularly fond of their Blood Orange Bitters, which imparts a perfectly balanced citrus note, adding a remarkable depth that makes this Cranberry Spice Manhattan truly shine. Their dedication to using real fruit juices and natural flavors means less effort for me and consistently delicious results for my guests or simply for myself after a long day.

Essential Tools for Your Cranberry Spice Manhattan

Crafting this festive Cranberry Spice Manhattan requires just a few key pieces of equipment, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cocktail-making experience that’s as effortless as it is rewarding.

• For the infused whiskey, all you need is an airtight container, such as a sturdy mason jar or a swing-top bottle, where the whiskey can mingle with the cranberries and spices to develop its rich, aromatic flavor.
• To expertly mix and chill your cocktail, a Boston cocktail shaker and a reliable cocktail strainer are indispensable. A Boston shaker, with its two-piece design, allows for efficient chilling and proper aeration of your drink.
• When it comes to serving, you can choose elegance with classic coupe glasses, as beautifully showcased in these photos, or opt for the timeless appeal of double old fashioned glasses, perfect for a drink served over a large, crystal-clear ice cube.

More Festive Cocktail Inspiration

If you’re looking to expand your holiday drink repertoire beyond the Manhattan, explore these other delightful and festive cocktail recipes that are perfect for any seasonal celebration:

• The Best Homemade Eggnog: A rich, creamy classic that embodies holiday comfort.
• Spiced Tropical Holiday Champagne Punch: A vibrant and bubbly concoction for a lively gathering.
• Cranberry Boulevardier: A sophisticated twist on another whiskey classic, infused with festive cranberry.
• Ginger Martini with Drunken Cranberries: A zesty and elegant martini with a boozy, fruity kick.

Crafting Your Cranberry Spice Manhattan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious holiday cocktail is surprisingly straightforward, divided into two main parts: first, infusing the whiskey to build its unique flavor profile, and then, assembling the Manhattan with precision.

Part 1: Mastering the Cranberry Spice Infused Whiskey

The star of this cocktail is undoubtedly the cranberry spice infused whiskey. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, and a single batch yields enough to create several Manhattans, or even to enjoy neat for a delightful, warm sip. The infusion process marries the subtle tart sweetness of fresh cranberries with the comforting, aromatic warmth of cinnamon sticks and whole cloves, adding a remarkable layer of depth and undeniable holiday cheer to your chosen spirit. This DIY infusion takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor impact.

To infuse your whiskey successfully:

1. **Prepare Cranberries:** Begin by gently halving your fresh cranberries. This crucial step helps them release their vibrant juices and flavors more effectively into the whiskey, ensuring a potent infusion.
2. **Combine Aromatics:** Place the prepared halved cranberries, along with two cinnamon sticks and a teaspoon of whole cloves, into a clean, airtight container. A sturdy mason jar or a decorative glass bottle with a tight seal works perfectly for this purpose.
3. **Add Whiskey:** Pour your preferred whiskey – whether it’s a robust rye or a smooth bourbon – over the ingredients, ensuring everything is fully submerged. Use a quality whiskey that you enjoy drinking on its own, as its character will form the base of your infused spirit.
4. **Seal and Infuse:** Securely seal the container and let it sit at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. For optimal flavor, allow it to infuse for at least 24 hours. For a stronger, more pronounced flavor profile, you can let it infuse for up to 3-5 days. Remember to taste it periodically after 24 hours to ensure it reaches your desired intensity, as infusion times can vary depending on the freshness of ingredients and ambient temperature.
5. **Strain and Store:** Once infused to your liking, strain the whiskey through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all the solids. This ensures a clean, clear, and smooth spirit. Store the beautifully flavored cranberry spice whiskey in a clean, airtight bottle. It will keep well throughout the entire holiday season, or even longer, ready for all your festive cocktail needs.

This infused whiskey is a versatile base, bringing a unique character that transforms a traditional Manhattan into a holiday masterpiece and can be a delightful gift on its own!

Part 2: Assembling Your Perfect Manhattan Cocktail

With your infused whiskey ready, mixing the Manhattan is the quick and enjoyable final step. Here’s how to bring it all together for a sublime sip that embodies the spirit of the holidays:

1. **Chill Your Shaker:** Fill a Boston cocktail shaker generously with fresh ice. The colder your shaker and its contents, the better your cocktail will be chilled and diluted, resulting in a perfectly balanced drink without being watery.
2. **Combine Liquids:** Add 2 oz of your homemade cranberry spice infused whiskey, 1 oz of high-quality sweet vermouth, and 1 to 2 dashes of Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters to the shaker. The bitters are crucial here, adding a layer of complex citrus and spice that complements the infused whiskey beautifully, enhancing its festive notes.
3. **Shake Vigorously:** Secure the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker becomes frosty to the touch and a distinct chill can be felt through your hands. This process thoroughly chills and slightly dilutes the cocktail, creating a smooth and harmonious blend of flavors.
4. **Prepare Your Glass:** Take your chosen cocktail glass (a coupe for classic elegance or a double old fashioned for a more robust presentation) and rub the orange peel garnish around the rim. This releases aromatic oils, adding a subtle, delightful scent and flavor to every sip, preparing your senses for the drink.
5. **Strain and Serve:** If using an old fashioned glass, place a large ice cube (or sphere) into your prepared glass. Then, using your cocktail strainer, strain the chilled cocktail into the glass. A single large ice cube melts slower than smaller cubes, keeping your drink cold without diluting it too quickly, thus preserving the intricate flavors for longer.
6. **Garnish:** Finish your Cranberry Spice Manhattan with a few fresh cranberries skewered on a toothpick, creating a festive visual pop. Add the orange peel twist alongside or draped over the rim. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute fresh aromatics as you bring the glass to your lips.

This method ensures a perfectly balanced, beautifully presented holiday cocktail that’s sure to impress both yourself and any guests.

Deep Dive into the Classic Manhattan and its Festive Twist

At its heart, a Manhattan cocktail is a testament to the power of simplicity, traditionally composed of just three key ingredients: a robust rye whiskey, a rich sweet vermouth, and a dash of aromatic bitters. This potent yet elegant combination has captivated cocktail enthusiasts for generations since its inception in the late 19th century. The result is a strong, spirit-forward drink, celebrated for its sophisticated balance and warmth, making it a distinguished choice for those who appreciate bolder, classic flavors.

However, what truly elevates *this* Cranberry Spice Manhattan and makes it uniquely perfect for the holiday season is the innovative twist provided by the homemade cranberry spice infused whiskey and the exceptional Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters. The subtle, festive tartness of cranberry, coupled with the comforting, nostalgic embrace of cinnamon and clove from the infusion, harmonizes exquisitely with the bright, complex, and citrusy notes of the blood orange bitters. This symphony of flavors conjures the very essence of holiday cheer and festive gatherings, all without requiring an arsenal of super expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a celebration in a glass, offering complex layers of taste that are both comforting and exhilarating, perfect for making your festive happy hours and holiday parties truly special and memorable.

Rye Whiskey vs. Bourbon: Choosing Your Base Spirit

The traditional Manhattan typically calls for rye whiskey, known for its spicier, drier, and more peppery profile. This gives the classic cocktail a sharp, assertive character that many aficionados adore. However, if your palate leans more towards bourbon, you’re in luck – this Cranberry Spice Manhattan recipe is beautifully forgiving and absolutely delicious with bourbon as well! While I often find myself gravitating towards bourbon for sipping neat due to its inherent sweetness and smoother, rounder character, its qualities lend themselves remarkably well to the other festive ingredients in this cocktail.

Using bourbon will contribute a richer, slightly sweeter backbone to the cocktail, allowing the cranberry and spice notes to intertwine in a subtly different but equally delightful way. The vanilla and caramel undertones often found in bourbon can complement the holiday spices beautifully, creating a perhaps more approachable and mellow version of the Manhattan. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite bourbon; it’s a fantastic way to customize this holiday classic to your personal taste, embracing a new tradition that is uniquely yours and perfectly suited to your preference.

Make This Cranberry Spice Manhattan Your Holiday Signature!

This Cranberry Spice Manhattan is more than just a drink; it’s an invitation to create new holiday traditions, a perfect festive indulgence for your happy hour, or a sophisticated offering for your next gathering. With its unique homemade infused whiskey and delightful blend of warming spices and vibrant cranberry, it’s sure to become a cherished part of your seasonal celebrations. Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it an unforgettable addition to any holiday table, inviting warmth and cheer with every sip.

Be sure to Pin this Cranberry Spice Manhattan Cocktail recipe for later so you can easily revisit it when holiday inspiration strikes and you’re ready to mix up something truly special!

Exciting Holiday Giveaways from Cake ‘n Knife!

We are thrilled to continue our Holly Jolly Giveaways right here on Cake ‘n Knife! You all know that the secret to truly amazing cocktails lies in the quality of their ingredients, which is precisely why I consistently recommend Stirrings mixers and bar essentials. Today, in the spirit of the season, I’ve partnered with Stirrings to offer one fortunate winner a fantastic set of bar ingredients of their choice! This is your chance to elevate your home bar with premium, flavorful essentials. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to stock up on everything you need to craft your own perfect cocktails. Enter today for your chance to win and make your holiday season even more spirited!

Cranberry Spice Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Whiskey is infused with fresh cranberries and warming spices, then added to a traditional Manhattan cocktail for the ultimate holiday beverage.

Equipment

• OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer
• Rocks Glasses (or coupe glasses)
• Boston Shaker
• Airtight container (e.g., mason jar) for infusing

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Spice Infused Whiskey:

• 1 cup halved cranberries
• 2 cups whiskey (rye or bourbon)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp whole cloves

For one Manhattan Cocktail:

• 2 oz cranberry spice infused whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 to 2 dashes Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters
• Ice
• Garnish: fresh cranberries, orange peel twist

Instructions

1. **Prepare Infused Whiskey:** To make the infused whiskey, add the halved cranberries, whiskey, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves to a clean, airtight container (like a mason jar). Seal the container and let it sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours. For a deeper flavor, you can let it infuse for 3-5 days, tasting periodically. Once infused, strain the whiskey through a fine-mesh sieve and store in a clean bottle.
2. **Chill and Combine:** Fill a cocktail shaker generously with ice. Add 2 oz of the prepared cranberry spice infused whiskey, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 1 to 2 dashes of Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters.
3. **Shake:** Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled and frosty on the outside.
4. **Prepare Glass:** Take your chosen cocktail glass (coupe or old fashioned) and rub the orange peel garnish around the rim to release its aromatic oils. Place a large ice cube in the glass if using an old fashioned glass.
5. **Strain and Garnish:** Strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared glass. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries on a toothpick and the orange peel twist. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cuisine: Holiday

Category: Booze, Cocktail

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