Spiced Tamarind Manhattan Twist

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold variation on the classic Manhattan, enriched with tart tamarind and warm spices for a rich complexity. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, tamarind paste for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 1/2 tsp tamarind paste, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
  2. Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes and stir gently for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass over a single large ice cube.
  4. Step 4: Garnish by skewering 1 Luxardo cherry and resting it against the cinnamon stick placed inside the glass for aromatic enhancement.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Tamarind Manhattan Twist take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Spiced Tamarind Manhattan Twist?

Refrigerate any leftover spiced tamarind manhattan twist in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Tamarind Manhattan Twist?

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 Tamarind Manhattan Twist 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 Tamarind Manhattan Twist?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks 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.