Red Moon Over Manhattan

A Bold Manhattan Twist with a Luxurious Red Wine Finish

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If you know this Queen Bee, it should come as no surprise that I have a deep love for both red wine and bourbon. So naturally, I had to ask: What happens when you bring these two bold flavors together?

Let me tell you—the result is nothing short of spectacular.

The Red Moon Over Manhattan takes the rich, caramel warmth of bourbon and pairs it with the velvety depth of full-bodied red wine, creating a cocktail that is sophisticated, complex, and utterly unforgettable.

Whether you’re hosting a chic soirée in the city or sipping cocktails at home, this one is made to impress.

The Manhattan cocktail dates all the way back to the 1880s, with the first known recipe appearing in a New York newspaper.

Since then, this iconic drink has inspired countless variations, as mixologists worldwide have experimented with everything from absinthe and gum syrup to Curacao.

But for me, the most intriguing twist? The addition of red wine.

This unexpected yet genius modification deepens the cocktail’s flavor profile, bringing out rich cherry, dark fruit, and subtle spice that complement bourbon beautifully. As a bonus? It adds a stunning pop of color, making it a showstopping addition to any cocktail menu.

Now, for this recipe, not just any bourbon or red wine will do. The Red Moon Over Manhattan is a spirit-forward cocktail, so I recommend selecting ingredients that you’d enjoy sipping on their own.

For the wine, I chose The Family Coppola’s Diamond Claret—a Cabernet Sauvignon with deep cherry, chocolate, and spice notes that pair seamlessly with bourbon. And I was not wrong!

For the bourbon, I reached for Coopers’ Craft, known for its smooth vanilla finish and hint of oak. Shaken together with a touch of simple syrup, these flavors come to life in a way that’s elegant, bold, and incredibly satisfying.

So pour yourself a glass and experience the magic of this refined yet easy-to-make cocktail!

Red Moon Over Manhattan

Ingredients

2 oz. — Red Wine
0.5 oz. — Bourbon
0.5 oz. — Simple Syrup
1 — Round Ice Sphere
2 — Maraschino Cherry

Instructions

Step 1 – Shake all of the ingredients together with ice for 20 seconds.
Step 2 – Spray an orange peel into the cocktail glass and rub the rim of the glass.
Step 3 – Add in the ice sphere and strain the cocktail over the ice.
Step 4 – Add two cherries on a cocktail stirrer to garnish the glass.