Go Back
Adam

Fig & Maple Manhattan Mocktail – A Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drink for Christmas and Thanksgiving

When the holidays arrive, we crave drinks that feel cozy, luxurious, and full of depth — something that warms your heart and delights your senses. That’s exactly what this Fig & Maple Manhattan Mocktail brings to your table. 🍁✨ Inspired by the traditional Bourbon Manhattan, this non-alcoholic version swaps whiskey for bold, warm, and aromatic flavors like fig, maple syrup, vanilla, and spice. The result is a mocktail that’s as rich and complex as the original — without a single drop of alcohol. Each sip delivers layers of earthy sweetness from figs, smoky maple syrup, and a subtle hint of bitters and orange. It’s smooth, warming, and perfect for holiday celebrations, elegant dinners, or festive nights by the fire. Whether you serve it as a pre-dinner aperitif for Thanksgiving or a nightcap on Christmas Eve, this mocktail offers all the sophistication of a classic Manhattan with none of the spirits.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Syrup Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 mocktails
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s what you’ll need to craft your Fig & Maple Manhattan Mocktail:
🍈 For the Fig Syrup
  • 1/2 cup dried figs chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍸 For the Mocktail
  • 2 oz fig syrup from above
  • 2 oz unsweetened black tea acts as a bourbon alternative — rich and deep
  • 1/2 oz fresh orange juice adds brightness
  • 2 dashes non-alcoholic bitters optional but recommended
  • Ice cubes
🍊 Garnish
  • Orange peel twist
  • Dried fig slice or fresh fig half
  • Cinnamon stick optional for aroma
  • This simple lineup delivers incredible flavor — sweet smoky, citrusy, and spiced, with that signature Manhattan richness.

Equipment

  • To make this smooth, classy mocktail, you’ll need:
  • Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
  • Measuring jigger or small measuring cups
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Muddler or spoon
  • Small saucepan (for the fig syrup)
  • Rocks or coupe glasses
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: cocktail picks for garnish or an old-fashioned glass for a classic look.

Method
 

  1. Here’s how to make your Fig & Maple Manhattan Mocktail step by step:
Step 1: Make the Fig Syrup
  1. In a small saucepan, combine chopped figs, water, and maple syrup.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes, until figs soften and the liquid thickens slightly.
  3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool for 10 minutes.
  4. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the figs to extract every drop of flavor.
  5. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Step 2: Mix the Mocktail
  1. Fill your cocktail shaker (or mixing glass) with ice.
  2. Add 2 oz fig syrup, 2 oz black tea, orange juice, and bitters.
  3. Stir (or shake lightly) for about 10–15 seconds until chilled and well combined.
Step 3: Serve & Garnish
  1. Strain into a rocks glass or coupe filled with ice (or serve neat).
  2. Garnish with a twist of orange peel and a fig slice.
  3. For an aromatic finish, hold an orange peel over the glass and twist gently to release oils.
  4. Take a slow sip and let the flavors unfold — sweet fig richness, smoky maple undertones, and citrus brightness. It’s the perfect mocktail for cold nights and festive celebrations.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storage
Store the fig syrup in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
The mocktail itself should be mixed fresh for best flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead
Brew your tea and make the fig syrup in advance.
When ready to serve, simply shake with ice and garnish.
You can also multiply the recipe and mix a large batch in a pitcher for parties — just add ice right before serving.
🥄 Variations
Here are 10 delicious ways to customize your Fig & Maple Manhattan Mocktail for every mood and occasion:
Maple Chai Manhattan: Replace black tea with chai tea for a cozy, spiced version.
Cranberry Fig Manhattan: Add 1 oz cranberry juice for a tart holiday twist.
Smoky Apple Manhattan: Add a dash of apple cider for fruity depth.
Spiced Fig Manhattan: Simmer the fig syrup with cinnamon, star anise, and clove.
Citrus Maple Manhattan: Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Vanilla Fig Cream Manhattan: Stir in a touch of coconut cream for a velvety finish.
Pomegranate Fig Manhattan: Add pomegranate juice for color and tart balance.
Ginger Maple Manhattan: Add ½ oz ginger syrup or top with ginger beer for a zesty finish.
Holiday Manhattan Punch: Multiply the recipe and serve in a large punch bowl with sliced oranges and figs.
Sparkling Fig Manhattan: Top with a splash of sparkling water for a lighter, bubbly version.
Each variation brings new life to this sophisticated mocktail, ensuring it shines at every gathering.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What does this mocktail taste like?
It’s rich, slightly sweet, and subtly spiced — similar to a bourbon-based drink but with fruity fig and maple undertones.
2. Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?
Yes! Use 3–4 fresh figs, but reduce the water slightly since fresh figs have more moisture.
3. Can I use another tea besides black tea?
Absolutely. Rooibos, chai, or smoked teas (like lapsang souchong) add great depth.
4. Is it kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s completely alcohol-free, but it does have tea (caffeine). You can use caffeine-free rooibos instead.
5. Can I make it sweeter?
Yes — simply add more maple syrup or honey to your fig syrup.
6. Can I make it vegan?
It already is! Maple syrup and tea are naturally vegan.
7. Can I serve it warm?
Definitely. Warm the tea and fig syrup gently, and skip the ice. It becomes a cozy hot toddy-style drink.
8. Can I skip the bitters?
Yes, but non-alcoholic bitters enhance complexity. A few drops of orange or vanilla extract make a good alternative.
9. What glass is best for serving?
A rocks glass or coupe gives it that classic Manhattan feel.
10. What can I serve this mocktail with?
It pairs beautifully with roast turkey, glazed carrots, spiced nuts, or dark chocolate desserts.
🏁 Conclusion
The Fig & Maple Manhattan Mocktail is more than a drink — it’s an experience. Each sip captures the heart of the holidays: warm, rich, elegant, and comforting. With its fig sweetness, smoky maple aroma, and subtle spice, it’s the perfect toast to the season — no spirits needed.
Whether you’re raising a glass at Thanksgiving dinner or toasting the New Year by the fireplace, this mocktail delivers that sophisticated cocktail feel in a wholesome, family-friendly way.
It’s smooth enough for bourbon lovers, sweet enough for dessert drink fans, and special enough to make any celebration sparkle. So this year, skip the bourbon and pour something everyone can enjoy — a Fig & Maple Manhattan Mocktail, the coziest way to sip your way through the holidays.