Merry merry Mistletoe Manhattan!
If you love holiday cocktails—from mistletoe margaritas to white Christmas punch—here’s a festive whiskey option: the Mistletoe Manhattan.
This version keeps the classic Manhattan spirit while adding bright cherry and cranberry notes and a garnish that screams holiday: sugared cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. You can even sugar the rosemary if you want an extra sparkly touch. It’s a playful, seasonal twist on a timeless drink.
The cocktail combines whiskey with maraschino cherry juice, cranberry juice, sweet vermouth and a couple dashes of bitters. The result is familiar and comforting but fresh and festive — not a light sipper, but bright enough to feel celebratory.
I’ve always liked whiskey — my mom ordered Manhattans when I was a kid and my siblings and I would beg for the maraschino cherry. (It’s soaked in booze, so she waited to share.) Over the years I’ve enjoyed cooking and baking with whiskey and I often prefer a bourbon cocktail over a vodka one, depending on my mood.
Believe it!
Some people don’t love whiskey’s bold flavor, and that’s totally fair. But this cocktail balances that warmth with tart cranberry and sweet cherry notes, making it approachable for many guests. It’s a great choice for holiday hosting when you want something a little special.
I’m deep in Christmas mode — thinking about cozy gatherings, twinkling lights and festive drinks. This is the perfect season to serve a cocktail that feels dressed up for the holidays but is simple to make in a batch for guests.
So raise a glass: serve a Mistletoe Manhattan with cheer and a few sugared cranberries for a festive finish.
Mistletoe Manhattan
Mistletoe Manhattan
1
person, is easily multiplied
10 mins
10 mins
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey
- ½ ounce maraschino cherry juice
- ½ ounce cranberry juice
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- maraschino cherries, for garnish
- sugared cranberries, for garnish
- rosemary, for garnish
Instructions
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Fill a shaker with ice and add the whiskey, maraschino cherry juice, cranberry juice, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters. Shake gently or stir until well chilled and combined.
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Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry, sugared cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
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Twinkle lights for life.