The Manhattan Macadamia Cocktail Recipe: The Aussie Twist

The Manhattan Macadamia: A Sophisticated Twist on a Classic Cocktail.

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

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A Classic with an Aussie Twist

The Manhattan is one of the most iconic cocktails ever poured — smooth, sophisticated, and endlessly reliable. But here in Australia, we like to shake things up with a bit of local flavour. Enter the Manhattan Macadamia: a nutty, aromatic riff on the original that celebrates Aussie spirits and our famous macadamia nuts.

Imagine sipping this beauty from a chilled glass, amber hues catching the light, with aromas of oak, citrus, and nutty sweetness. One sip delivers everything you love about a Manhattan — balanced, spirit-forward elegance — with a decadent macadamia surprise.

What Makes the Manhattan Macadamia Special

This isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a showcase of Australian craftsmanship:

Starward Two-Fold Double Grain Whisky – Smooth and versatile, with notes of vanilla, spice, and caramel.
Maidenii Sweet Vermouth – Crafted with native Aussie botanicals, bringing a unique herbaceous sweetness.
Brookie’s Macadamia Liqueur – The hero ingredient, adding velvety nut richness.
Angostura Bitters – A dash of depth to tie it all together.
Orange Twist – A garnish that releases essential oils and lifts the nose.

Manhattan Macadamia Recipe (AU Measurements)

Ingredients (Serves 1):

45 ml Starward Two-Fold Double Grain Whisky
25 ml Maidenii Sweet Vermouth
20 ml Brookie’s Macadamia Liqueur
1 dash Angostura Bitters
Ice cubes
Garnish: orange twist

Method:

Chill your glass – Freeze a coupe or rocks glass, or fill with ice water.
Mix ingredients – Add whisky, vermouth, liqueur, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir gently – 30 seconds to chill and dilute. Don’t overdo it.
Strain & serve – Into your chilled glass over one large ice cube (for slow melt).
Garnish – Express the oils from an orange twist over the glass, then drop it in.

Tasting Notes

Expect a rich and layered profile: whisky warmth upfront, balanced by sweet vermouth botanicals, before the macadamia liqueur rolls in with nutty decadence. The finish is long, slightly spiced, and beautifully aromatic thanks to the bitters and orange twist.

Bartender’s Tips

Spirit choice matters: Bourbon brings smooth caramel notes; rye adds spice and bite.
Less is more when stirring: Too much dilution will flatten the balance.
Use quality ice: A single large cube melts slowly, keeping it cold without watering it down.
Don’t skip the garnish: Orange oils elevate the macadamia and vermouth notes.

Variations to Try

Rob Roy Macadamia – Swap whisky for Scotch, adding smoke to the mix.
Metropolitan Macadamia – Use brandy instead of whisky for a fruit-forward profile.
Adventurer’s Macadamia – Replace macadamia liqueur with Amaretto or Frangelico for a different nut character.

Food Pairing Ideas

Appetisers: Roasted almonds, olives, or smoked salmon blinis.
Mains: Grilled lamb chops with balsamic glaze, or duck breast with cherry reduction.
Desserts: Dark chocolate truffles, pecan pie, or caramel flan.

RSA Note (Australia)

With two fortified spirits and a liqueur, this cocktail sits at around 2.3 standard drinks per serve. It’s spirit-forward, so sip slowly and always encourage moderation.

For RSA guidance in NSW, visit: Liquor & Gaming NSW

Final Thoughts

The Manhattan Macadamia is a toast to creativity — proof that even timeless classics can evolve with a touch of Australian flair. Rich, nutty, and beautifully balanced, it’s a cocktail that’s just as perfect for impressing guests as it is for a quiet night of self-indulgence.

Thanks for joining us behind the bar!

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

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