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Fig & Maple Manhattan Mocktail — A Cozy Non-Alcoholic Christmas & Thanksgiving Drink

Some drinks just feel like the holidays — comforting, warm, and sophisticated. The Fig and Bourbon Manhattan is one of those classics, but this version recreates all its depth and richness without a single drop of alcohol. Introducing the Fig & Maple Manhattan Mocktail: a festive, cozy beverage made with fig syrup, black tea, maple, and orange peel for layers of flavor that rival the original cocktail. It’s smooth, subtly sweet, and slightly smoky, with caramel and spice notes that make it perfect for Christmas dinners, Thanksgiving feasts, or elegant winter nights by the fireplace. Every sip feels like velvet — rich, balanced, and purely holiday magic.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 mocktails
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍇 For the Fig Syrup
  • 6 dried figs quartered
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
🍵 For the Mocktail Base
  • 2 oz strong black tea like Assam or English Breakfast, cooled
  • 1½ oz fig syrup from above
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz apple cider for extra warmth
  • 1 –2 drops liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika optional for “bourbon” depth
  • Ice cubes
🍊 Garnish
  • Orange peel twist
  • Dried fig slice
  • Cinnamon stick

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Mixing glass or mason jar
  • Bar spoon or stirrer
  • Serving glass (rocks or coupe)
  • Peeler or zester for orange twist

Method
 

Step 1 – Make the Fig Syrup
  1. In a small saucepan, combine dried figs, water, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat for 10–12 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and the figs soften.
Step 2 – Strain and Cool
  1. Remove from heat and let it cool. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing gently to extract all the syrup. Set aside.
Step 3 – Brew the Tea
  1. Brew a strong cup of black tea and let it cool completely. This forms the bold base of your mocktail, replacing bourbon with depth and tannins.
Step 4 – Mix the Drink
  1. In a mixing glass or jar, combine black tea, fig syrup, lemon juice, apple cider, and a drop of liquid smoke (optional but adds incredible depth).
Step 5 – Stir with Ice
  1. Add ice cubes and stir for about 20 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
Step 6 – Strain and Serve
  1. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice (for a refreshing version) or serve neat in a coupe glass for a traditional Manhattan feel.
Step 7 – Garnish and Enjoy
  1. Twist an orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it in. Garnish with a dried fig slice or cinnamon stick for an aromatic finish.

Notes

Refrigerator: Store the fig syrup in a sealed jar for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Freeze fig syrup in ice cube trays for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Gently warm syrup before mixing if desired for a cozy winter drink.
🥄 Variations
Vanilla Chai Manhattan: Replace black tea with chai tea for spiced warmth.
Maple Old-Fashioned Mocktail: Use less lemon and add more maple syrup for a sweeter, richer version.
Smoky Apple Manhattan: Swap lemon for apple cider vinegar and add a splash of sparkling apple juice.
Cranberry Fig Manhattan: Add 1 oz cranberry juice for color and tang.
Honey Fig Manhattan: Use honey syrup instead of maple for floral notes.
Espresso Fig Manhattan: Replace tea with cold-brew coffee for an intense, earthy twist.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this without black tea?
Yes — substitute decaf tea or herbal rooibos for a caffeine-free version.
2. What’s the best tea to mimic bourbon flavor?
Strong Assam or Lapsang Souchong tea (for smokiness) gives depth and warmth.
3. Can kids drink this?
Yes! It’s completely alcohol-free and naturally sweetened.
4. Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?
Yes — just simmer for a few extra minutes to extract flavor.
5. Is liquid smoke necessary?
Optional, but it gives that slightly oaky note typical of aged spirits.
6. Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Prepare a large amount of fig syrup and tea base, then mix in pitchers before serving.
7. Can I serve it warm?
Yes! Heat the black tea, syrup, and apple cider for a Hot Fig Manhattan — perfect for cold nights.
8. Can I make it vegan?
Yes — it already is! Just ensure your sweetener (like maple) is plant-based.
9. How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce syrup or add a splash of lemon juice for balance.
10. What’s the best garnish for holidays?
A rosemary sprig, fig slice, and orange twist — simple, stunning, and aromatic.
🏁 Conclusion
The Fig & Maple Manhattan Mocktail is an elegant, alcohol-free take on a holiday classic — rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
The combination of fig syrup, black tea, maple, and citrus brings comfort and sophistication to your glass. Whether you’re toasting to family on Thanksgiving or celebrating Christmas by candlelight, this drink embodies warmth, gratitude, and style.
No bourbon, no problem — just pure holiday spirit in every sip.