If you're looking for a holiday recipe that will impress your friends and family, look no further than Manhattan. This classic cocktail is perfect for the holiday season, with its warm and cozy flavors that will surely make you feel like you're sipping on a festive drink in the heart of New York City. Not only is it delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to make. So why not add a touch of Manhattan to your holiday menu this year? Here's a professional and well-organized introduction to this iconic holiday recipe.
Main Ingredients: Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters
If you're a fan of classic cocktails, then you've probably heard of the Manhattan. Made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this drink has been a staple in bars around the world for over a century. But did you know that you can also use this iconic recipe to make a delicious beer can chicken? That's right, the bold flavors of the Manhattan can infuse your chicken with a unique and delicious taste that will have your friends and family begging for the recipe.
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Manhattan Clam Chowder
Main Ingredients: Bacon Slices, Leeks, Celery Stalks, Russet Potatoes
Looking for a hearty and comforting dish to warm you up on a cold winter night? Look no further than Manhattan clam chowder. This tomato-based soup is loaded with chunks of tender clams, potatoes, and vegetables for a rich and satisfying meal. But why stop at just soup? Use this flavorful broth to marinate your beer can chicken and elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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Holiday Honeycrisp Salad
Main Ingredients: Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Unsweetened
For a lighter and healthier option, try pairing your beer can chicken with a holiday honeycrisp salad. This colorful and vibrant dish features crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and tangy goat cheese tossed with a honey mustard dressing. The sweet and savory flavors will complement the richness of the chicken perfectly.
No holiday celebration is complete without some eggnog, but why not add a little twist to this classic drink? Spike your eggnog with a splash of bourbon, rum, or whiskey for a festive and boozy beverage. And don't forget to use some of the leftover liquor to flavor your beer can chicken for an extra kick.
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Pumpkin Chai Holiday Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bags, All Purpose Flour, Dark Brown
If you have a sweet tooth, then you'll love these pumpkin chai holiday cupcakes. The warm and spicy flavors of chai tea are combined with pumpkin puree and topped with a creamy frosting for a delicious and festive treat. And for a unique twist, try using some of the leftover pumpkin puree to rub on your beer can chicken before grilling.
If you're hosting a holiday party, then you'll want to have a big batch of jingle juice holiday punch on hand. This fruity and refreshing drink is perfect for a crowd and can be easily spiked with your choice of alcohol. And for a fun twist, use some of the punch to baste your beer can chicken for a burst of flavor.
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10 Holiday Side Dishes
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Butternut Squash
No holiday meal is complete without a variety of side dishes to accompany your main course. From creamy mashed potatoes to flavorful green bean casserole, there are endless options to choose from. And for a unique and festive side, try making a cranberry and pecan stuffing to serve alongside your beer can chicken.
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French Manhattan
Main Ingredients: Cognac, Sweet Vermouth, Orange Liqueur, Orange Bitters
If you're a fan of the classic Manhattan, then you'll love this French version. Made with cognac instead of whiskey, this cocktail is a bit smoother and has a slightly sweeter taste. And when used to marinate your beer can chicken, the cognac will add a depth of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
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Black Manhattan
Main Ingredients: Rye Whiskey, Walnut Liqueur, Angostura Bitters, Orange
For a more intense and complex flavor profile, try making a black Manhattan. This variation uses a combination of whiskey and Averna, an Italian herbal liqueur, for a bold and bitter cocktail. And when used to baste your beer can chicken, the Averna will add a unique and delicious twist to the dish.
Looking for a tasty appetizer to serve at your holiday party? These holiday sausage balls are sure to be a hit. Made with a combination of sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix, these bite-sized snacks are easy to make and even easier to eat. And for a fun twist, try adding some chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick.
If you're not a fan of eggnog, then a holiday punch might be just what you need. Made with a combination of fruit juices, soda, and your choice of alcohol, this drink is a refreshing and festive option for any holiday gathering. And for a unique and flavorful twist, use some of the punch to baste your beer can chicken while it cooks.
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Virgin Manhattan
Main Ingredients: Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice, Cherry Juice, Lemon
Not a fan of alcohol? No problem! You can still enjoy the flavors of a Manhattan with a virgin version of the cocktail. Simply omit the whiskey and bitters and replace them with a splash of club soda and a few drops of Angostura bitters. And for a non-alcoholic option for your beer can chicken, use some of the virgin Manhattan to baste the chicken while it cooks.
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Rosewater Manhattan
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Rose Water, Nielsen Massey Vanilla
For a unique and floral twist on the classic Manhattan, try making a rosewater version. Made with a combination of gin, sweet vermouth, and a splash of rosewater, this cocktail is a refreshing and fragrant option. And when used to baste your beer can chicken, the rosewater will add a subtle and elegant touch to the dish.
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Mom's Holiday Crab Dip
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Dried Minced
If you're lucky enough to have a family recipe for a delicious holiday crab dip, then you know how much of a crowd-pleaser it can be. This creamy and flavorful dip is perfect for any holiday gathering and pairs perfectly with a cold glass of beer. And for a fun twist, try using some of the dip to baste your beer can chicken for a seafood-inspired dish.
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Crock Pot Holiday Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Dark Brown Sugar, Pure Maple Syrup, Pineapple
Don't feel like firing up the grill? No problem! You can still enjoy a delicious beer can chicken by making it in your crock pot. Simply place the chicken on a beer can, season it to your liking, and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. And for a complete holiday meal, pair your crock pot chicken with a holiday ham cooked in the same way.
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Holiday Leftovers Turkey Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Roast Turkey, Mixed Vegetables, Mayonnaise
After the holidays, you're bound to have some leftover turkey. Instead of just reheating it, why not turn it into a delicious casserole? Combine your leftover turkey with some vegetables, stuffing, and gravy for a hearty and comforting dish. And for a unique twist, try adding some shredded beer can chicken to the mix for added flavor.
For a festive twist on the classic Manhattan, try making a holiday version. Use cranberry juice and orange liqueur in place of the vermouth and bitters for a bright and fruity cocktail. And for a unique and flavorful dish, use some of the holiday Manhattan to baste your beer can chicken while it cooks.
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Warm Holiday Ham Crescents
Main Ingredients: Fully Cooked Ham, Crescent Dinner Rolls, Mozzarella
Looking for a tasty and easy appetizer to serve at your holiday party? These warm holiday ham crescents are sure to be a hit. Simply wrap a slice of ham and a sprinkle of cheese in a crescent roll, bake until golden brown, and serve with a side of mustard for dipping. And for a fun twist, try adding some shredded beer can chicken to the mixture for added flavor.
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Manhattan Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Sweet Vermouth, Bourbon Whiskey, Bitters, Ice Cubes
For a classic and timeless option, stick with a traditional Manhattan cocktail. Made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this drink is a tried and true favorite. And when used to marinate your beer can chicken, the flavors will infuse the meat for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Classic Holiday Gingerbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar
No holiday celebration is complete without some classic gingerbread cookies. These spicy and sweet treats are a favorite for all ages and can be decorated in endless ways. And for a fun twist, try using some of the leftover dough to stuff your beer can chicken for a unique and flavorful dish.
Bold Flavors: A Taste of Manhattan
What makes Manhattan so special?
The key to a perfect Manhattan lies in its bold flavors. The combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters creates a rich and complex taste that will leave your taste buds dancing. The addition of a maraschino cherry adds a touch of sweetness and a festive pop of color to this already delicious drink.
The Perfect Balance
One of the reasons why Manhattan is such a beloved holiday drink is its perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of the vermouth and cherry balances out the strong and smoky taste of the whiskey, creating a harmonious blend that will keep you coming back for more. It's the perfect drink to sip on while enjoying the company of your loved ones during the holidays.
Easy to Make, Easy to Enjoy
Despite its sophisticated taste, Manhattan is surprisingly easy to make. All you need is a cocktail shaker, ice, and of course, the ingredients. Simply add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to the shaker, shake it up, and pour it into a glass. Garnish with a cherry, and voila! Your delicious holiday Manhattan is ready to be enjoyed.
Bringing Manhattan to Your Holiday Menu
Not only is Manhattan a delicious holiday drink, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your holiday menu. Serve it as a welcome drink for your guests or pair it with your holiday meal for a truly special dining experience. You can even make a large batch and serve it in a punch bowl for a festive party drink.
Now that you're equipped with the knowledge of what makes Manhattan so special, it's time to try it out for yourself. So gather your ingredients, put on some holiday tunes, and enjoy a taste of Manhattan this holiday season. Cheers!
