A Manhattan is a very classic cocktail, usually with rye whiskey or bourbon serving as the base. I’m adding Crown Royal chocolate whisky for a delicious twist in this chocolate Manhattan cocktail! It’s the perfect combo of decadent, lightly sweet, and easy to sip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The chocolate Manhattan takes the elegance of a classic Manhattan and gives it a luxurious twist with rich cocoa notes. It balances the bold warmth of whiskey with the smooth sweetness of chocolate, creating a drink that feels both sophisticated and indulgent!
It’s the perfect choice if you love the depth of a spirit-forward cocktail but still want a hint of dessert-like flair. I love it to showcase Crown Royal’s seasonal chocolate whisky, since it packs the chocolate flavor right in your base alcohol for an easy upgrade!
Whether sipped as an after-dinner drink, served at a romantic evening, or enjoyed on a cozy night in, the chocolate Manhattan variation offers a unique blend of strong, herbal notes, and sweet refinement and comfort that makes every sip feel special!
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Ingredients List
- 2 oz Crown Royal chocolate whiskey
- ½ oz Averna Amaro (or vermouth)
- 2-3 dashes of chocolate bitters (cocoa)
- Luxardo cherry for garnish
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- The Crown Royal chocolate whisky is seasonal, so if you can’t find it feel free to substitute another chocolate whiskey (like Bird Dog or Ballotin), or use regular rye whiskey or bourbon and add ½ ounce chocolate liqueur (like a high-quality creme de cacao or Godiva) for the flavor
- Sweet vermouth is the classic herbal aperitif choice in a Manhattan cocktail (and you can definitely use it for a sweeter drink). However, since Crown chocolate is naturally sweet on its own, I prefer to use the slightly less-sweet Averna Amaro instead of vermouth, plus it also matches the chocolate flavor well since it has citrus in addition to herbal notes. You can also use the Amaro in my Black Manhattan cocktail!
- Cocoa bitters really add to the chocolate notes, but you can use Angostura for a more classic recipe (orange goes well too)
Step By Step Instructions
- Add all ingredients (aside from garnishes) into a mixing glass, along with a handful of ice
- Stir with a spoon or straw until well mixed and chilled, then strain cocktail into a chilled coupe glass, martini glass, or similar
- Garnish with a luxardo cherry, and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Desserts
- Dark Chocolate Tart – echoes the cocoa notes while keeping it refined
- Flourless Chocolate Cake – dense and rich, perfect for a spirit-forward pairing!
- Chocolate-Covered Cherries – ties into the Manhattan’s classic cherry garnish
- Espresso Brownies – enhances both the whiskey depth and chocolate liqueur
- Pecan Pie Bites – dessert with a nutty-sweet richness that amplifies the cocktail. You could also try some sweet Pecan Pie Dip too!
Savory Bites
- Aged Gouda or Cheddar – sharp and nutty, balances the cocktail’s sweetness
- Blue Cheese with Honey or Fig Jam – salty, creamy, and elevated when paired with whiskey
- Charcuterie with Cured Meats – prosciutto or salami provides a savory counterpoint!
Fruits & Nuts
- Brandied Cherries – the traditional garnish, but also great on the side
- Fresh Figs or Dates – sweet, jammy flavors that complement chocolate beautifully. Try my Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates for a savory punch!
- Orange Zest Accents – candied orange peel or chocolate-dipped orange slices for a citrus lift that’s especially nice with the Amaro
- Roasted Almonds or Hazelnuts – earthy, toasty notes play well with whiskey
Recipe FAQs
What’s the Difference Between a Manhattan and a Rob Roy?
A Manhattan is traditionally made with rye or bourbon, while a Rob Roy uses Scotch whisky. The Rob Roy tends to have a smokier, more robust flavor profile compared to the Manhattan’s smoother, spicier taste.
Are There Different Kinds of Manhattans?
Yes! Variations include the perfect Manhattan (made with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth), the dry Manhattan (uses only dry vermouth), and flavored twists like this chocolate Manhattan, which uses chocolate whiskey for a dessert-like note.
What Whiskey Is Best for a Manhattan?
For a chocolate Manhattan, chocolate flavored whiskey is best, or a rich bourbon supplemented by chocolate liqueur. In a classic Manhattan, rye whiskey is the common choice, offering a spicier, more robust flavor that stands up to vermouth and bitters.
How Much Alcohol Is in a Manhattan Drink?
A traditional Manhattan contains about 30–37% ABV (depending on pour sizes and whiskey proof). While it’s a spirit-forward cocktail, the vermouth or Amaro helps smooth out the intensity, making it balanced yet strong.
Tips For the Best Chocolate Manhattan
- To make a Manhattan drier (less sweet), use Amaro Averna or dry vermouth instead of the classic sweet vermouth
- This cocktail is quite strong due to a lack of mixers. If you find it too strong, add a small amount of cold water to dilute to taste (or add a large ice cube and let it sit to both dilute and chill)
- Temperature matters: always stir (not shake) with ice until well chilled and strain to preserve the silky, spirit-forward character! Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes in advance to keep the drink colder longer
Serving and Presentation
- Glassware – Serve in a small chilled coupe or martini glass to highlight the drink’s elegance. A rocks glass can also work if you prefer it served over ice (which helps with dilution if it’s too strong for you)
- Classic Garnish – Use a luxardo or brandied cherry for tradition, but dip it in chocolate or roll it in cocoa powder for a decadent twist! You could also add some chocolate shavings on top of the drink before serving
- Citrus Accent – An orange peel or thin twist of orange zest adds aromatic brightness that balances the richness of the chocolate (it’s a great choice if you use orange bitters instead of cocoa)
- Ambience Pairing – Serve as an after-dinner sipper with a small plate of chocolate truffles or candied nuts for a restaurant-style presentation!
Final Thoughts
This chocolate Manhattan is a simple, sweet, and decadent cocktail that’s perfect for sipping at the end of a long day or enjoying after a great meal! It pairs with a little treat like some chocolate truffles or crunchy, salty snacks so you can kick back and unwind in style.
Thanks to the chocolate notes in the Crown Royal chocolate whisky, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with your drink, and it allows you to try different aperitif combinations as well to make a unique yet still delicious Manhattan.
Katie’s tip
If you love this chocolate Manhattan recipe, make sure to check out all of my Chocolate Crown Royal Recipes for more delicious recipes you can make with your bottle of whiskey! For some more great flavors, see my Crown Peach Drinks and Blackberry Crown Recipes too!
Chocolate Manhattan With Crown Royal
Equipment
- Drinking glass (for mixing; anything works)
- Martini glass (or similar)
- Spoon (cutlery; for stirring)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky
- ½ ounce Averna Amaro (or vermouth)
- 2-3 dashes chocolate bitters
- Luxardo cherry for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add all drink ingredients to a mixing glass, along with a handful of ice2 ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky, ½ ounce Averna Amaro, 2-3 dashes chocolate bitters, Ice cubes
- Stir with a spoon or straw until well mixed and chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with a luxardo cherry, and enjoy!Luxardo cherry for garnish
Notes
- Crown Royal chocolate whisky is seasonal, so if you can’t find it feel free to substitute another chocolate whiskey (like Bird Dog or Ballotin), or use regular rye whiskey or bourbon and add ½ ounce chocolate liqueur for the flavor
- Sweet vermouth is the classic herbal aperitif choice in a Manhattan cocktail (and you can definitely use it for a sweeter drink). However, since Crown chocolate is naturally sweet on its own, I prefer to use the slightly less-sweet Averna Amaro instead of vermouth, which also has some citrus notes that pair well with chocolate
- Cocoa bitters reinforce the chocolate notes, but you can use Angostura for a more classic recipe (orange goes well too)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
