Christmas Manhattan
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Ready to make your holiday gathering the talk of the season? This Christmas Manhattan cocktail with hints of chocolate and smoked rosemary will do just that. I make this every year, and my friends say it’s so good they want to sip it all winter. Let me introduce you to your new holiday tradition!
December always seems to sneak up on me, and when it does, I start reaching for cocktails that feel festive but still timeless. This Christmas Manhattan does exactly that. It takes the structure of a classic Manhattan and adds a few thoughtful holiday touches that instantly make it feel special—perfect for cozy nights in or serving to guests.
At its core, a Manhattan is a beautifully balanced whiskey cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The vermouth softens the whiskey and adds richness, while the bitters bring depth and complexity. For this Christmas version, I swap out some of the sweet vermouth for crème de cacao, which adds a subtle chocolate note without turning the drink overly sweet. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
The finishing touches are what really set this cocktail apart. A sprig of rosemary gets lightly torched just before serving, releasing a smoky, evergreen aroma that you smell with every sip. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a frosty, wintery look, and suddenly you’ve got a cocktail that feels unmistakably holiday-ready. It’s elegant, a little dramatic, and always earns compliments the moment it hits the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, you can ask it in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Can I make a Christmas cocktail pitcher?
To make a pitcher of your Christmas Manhattan cocktail, use cups instead of ounces.
So, pour two cups of whiskey and half a cup each of vermouth and creme de cacao into a pitcher instead of the cocktail shaker. Then, strain as you pour it into each glass. You’ll want to do this fresh so the ice doesn’t melt and dilute the cocktail.
What is creme de cacao?
Creme de cacao is a chocolate-flavored liqueur that adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the drink.
What glass should I use?
A rocks glass works best for this Christmas Manhattan recipe.
Christmas Manhattan Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey (see notes)
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- ½ ounce creme de cacao
- Rosemary sprigs (to garnish)
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and creme de cacao and stir until cold.2 ounces whiskey, ½ ounce sweet vermouth, ½ ounce creme de cacao
- Place a large ice cube into a rocks glass then pour the cocktail over the top.
- Use a lighter to carefully burn the tip of a rosemary sprig then let the flame extinguish. For a snowy effect, sift a little powdered sugar over the burned rosemary.Rosemary sprigs, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- Place the rosemary sprig into the cocktail or set it on the rim and serve right away.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Oh my Oh my Oh my. Could this be any better? NO. It’s perfect. We had to make a 2nd one just to be sure it was as good as thought. 🤭 yep it was! & the next night too. Plz add the rosemary when u make it. It’s a game changer. Thank u for adding to our Bourbon recipes.
Oh I love hearing that so much!!!