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Bitter Manhattan
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Submitted on: April 16, 2026
Pulled straight from Both Sides of the Glass by Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka, a book that beautifully bridges the gap between cocktails and mocktails. Neil brings the love for a proper drink, David keeps it zero-proof, and together they prove one thing: great flavor doesn’t need limits. Having worked in substance abuse myself, I’m all about keeping both options on deck so if you’re building out your mocktail game, this book is a must. Now, this Bitter Manhattan? Don’t let the name fool y...
Tools
Cocktail Shaker
Cocktail Jigger
Instructions
Garnish
Build
Glass
Estimated strength
Lemon Twist
Shake & Strain
Old Fashioned/Rocks
About 15% ABV (estimate)
By Bryan Monroe
Home Bartender
Follow along the journey of cocktails at home. Using simple ingredients, trying out new things and just enjoying life as it comes! That is what cocktails are all about, there is no right or wrong as long as you’re enjoying you’re cocktail....
Other Recipes by Bryan Monroe
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In a cocktail shaker add all ingredients with ice and shake to chill and properly dilute. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!
Editor's Note
Cynar replaces whiskey in this Manhattan riff, creating a lower-ABV profile. Lemon juice and orange bitters brighten the vegetal base, resulting in a balanced, sessionable aperitif.
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Crafted Pour
16 April 2026
What a fantastic take on a Manhattan! Using Cynar as the base is such a clever move for a lower-ABV, refreshingly bitter drink. We love the story behind it and the shout-out to Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka's book. Cheers!
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