A classic silhouette, cast in darker light. Bourbon brings the familiar backbone, while Krampus steps in with warmth, spice, and a subtle alpine edge that reshapes the drink without overpowering it. Smooth, restrained, and quietly confident—this is a Manhattan for late nights, low lighting, and people who like their traditions sharpened, not softened.
The Manhattan is a cornerstone of the cocktail world: whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, stirred and served up with a cherry. Krampus in Manhattan swaps the vermouth for Krampus Herbal Liqueur.
The result is darker, warmer and a little sweeter than the classic.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz Krampus Herbal Liqueur
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 cocktail cherry, to garnish
Directions
- Add the bourbon, Krampus and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 20–30 seconds, until very cold.
- Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a cherry.
Glass: Coupe · Garnish: Cocktail cherry
Tip
Stir, don’t shake. Shaking clouds a spirit-only drink and waters it down. And put the coupe in the freezer for a few minutes first, so the drink stays cold to the last sip.
Variations
Use Krampus Bottled-in-Bond Rye instead of bourbon for a spicier, more classic Manhattan, or try The Dark Alpine Manhattan with Barrel-Aged Krampus.
A Brief History of the Manhattan
The Manhattan appeared in New York in the 1870s or 1880s. A popular story credits a party at the Manhattan Club thrown by Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill's mother, but she was in England at the time, so the tale doesn't hold up.
Whatever its origin, it became one of the most important cocktails of its era and the template for many modern variations.
Why Make It With Krampus
Sweet vermouth adds sweetness and herbal bitterness. Krampus Herbal Liqueur fills the same role with raw honey, roasted hazelnut and warming spice, which give bourbon a richer, almost dessert-like finish. It's a Manhattan built for winter, close in spirit to modern takes like the Black Manhattan, which uses an amaro in place of vermouth.
FAQ
Should a Manhattan use bourbon or rye?
The original was likely rye; bourbon makes it rounder and sweeter. Try our Bellingham Manhattan for a rye version.
Should a Manhattan be shaken or stirred?
Stirred. It's an all-spirit drink, and stirring keeps it silky and clear.