Bittermilk Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix 8.5 oz — Vermouth-Style Mixer with Oak & Vanilla

Bittermilk Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix is a bartender-crafted, non-alcoholic Manhattan elixir aged in once-used bourbon barrels to recreate vermouth-like depth for stirring with rye or bourbon.

This 8.5 oz bottle concentrates the layered flavors of a classic Manhattan into one simple mixer. Bittermilk’s formula blends alcohol-removed fortified wine with an herbal bitter base, dried fruit notes, citrus peel and vanilla, then ages the blend in freshly emptied Willett bourbon barrels. The result is a shelf-stable, ready-to-mix syrup that brings oak, char and bittersweet complexity to cocktails or mocktails without needing to make vermouth from scratch.

How do I make a Manhattan using this mix?

Prepare a traditional stirred Manhattan in seconds: combine the mix with your chosen aged spirit over plenty of ice, stir until well chilled, then strain into a stemmed glass. Garnish to taste; a brandied cherry or orange twist complements the mix’s dried fruit and citrus notes.

• Standard ratio: 1 part Bittermilk Manhattan mix to 4 parts rye or bourbon.
• Stir 20–30 seconds with large ice to chill and dilute properly.
• Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass; garnish with a cherry or twist.
• Adjust ratio for sweeter or drier preferences; works with aged rum or scotch too.

What flavor profile should I expect from the Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix?

The mixer layers botanical bitters with concentrated dried fruit and a hint of orange and vanilla. Barrel aging imparts subtle bourbon-like notes—charred oak, caramel, and depth—that marry with the herbal backbone to mimic vermouth’s complexity without alcohol.

• Herbal bitters from gentian and cinchona provide aromatic bitterness.
• Dried cherries, raisins and grapes give raisiny, fruity sweetness.
• Citrus peel and vanilla add bright and rounded finishing notes.
• Bourbon barrel aging contributes oak, smoke, and mellow caramel character.

Is this mixer suitable for non-alcoholic cocktails and how should I use it?

Yes — because the recipe uses alcohol-removed fortified wine, it can serve as the flavor core of sophisticated mocktails. Combine with non-alcoholic spirits, soda water, or a neutral tea base for a complex, spirit-free Manhattan-style drink.

• Try 1 part mix to 3–4 parts non-alcoholic spirit or chilled black tea for depth.
• Add a splash of soda or bitters-free tonic for effervescence.
• Serve stirred over ice and garnish with citrus or a cherry for classic presentation.
• Great for hosting when you want a grown-up alternative to sugary mocktails.

Who this is for: Bittermilk’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix is aimed at home bartenders, cocktail lovers, and hosts who want bar-quality Manhattan flavor without crafting vermouth or blending bitters from scratch. It's ideal for people who prefer simple, fast cocktail prep—just add spirit—or for those building an elevated non-alcoholic drinks menu. If you enjoy dark, aged spirits and appreciate layered, bittersweet cocktails with oak and dried-fruit character, this concentrate is designed to make consistent, complex Manhattans at home.

Ingredients

Cocktail Mixer