Spiced Cognac Manhattan with Cherry Bark Bitters
A rich Manhattan with warm spiced cognac and aromatic cherry bark bitters, stirred to silky perfection and garnished with a brandied cherry. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs cognac, sweet vermouth, dashes cherry bark bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz cognac
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 3 dashes cherry bark bitters
- 1 brandied cherry
- as needed large ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with large ice cubes to the top.
- Step 2: Pour in 2 oz cognac, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 3 dashes cherry bark bitters.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 5: Garnish by skewering one brandied cherry on a cocktail pick and resting it across the rim of the glass.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Cognac Manhattan with Cherry Bark Bitters take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Cognac Manhattan with Cherry Bark Bitters?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cognac from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Cognac Manhattan with Cherry Bark Bitters?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Cognac Manhattan with Cherry Bark Bitters for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Cognac Manhattan with Cherry Bark Bitters?
Cocktails quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
