HOME › co*cktail Recipes › Whiskey
By Shawn Williams
5 from 2 votes
Jan 27, 2019, Updated Jan 02, 2024
Jump to Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Dating back to the 19th century, the Manhattan co*cktail is one of the most well-known, classic co*cktails of all time. There are a few different stories behind how the Manhattan co*cktail first originated, but I think it’s safe to say it is one of the five borough co*cktails that came out of New York in the mid-1800s.
The beauty of the Manhattan co*cktail lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Traditionally, the drink is made with three key components: rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Rye was the original choice, but bourbon is commonly used today, offering a slightly sweeter profile.
If you like Manhattans, try my Fall-inspired Manhattan or the similar Brooklyn co*cktail and the Boulevardier! Looking for more delicious whiskey classic co*cktails? Don’t miss my Old Fashioned co*cktail, Whiskey Sour, or Sazerac.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Variations: Manhattan Versus Perfect Manhattan
- Best Whiskey for a Manhattan
- How to Make a Manhattan
- Expert Tips
- More Whiskey co*cktails
- Manhattan co*cktail Recipe
Ingredients
- Rye whiskey: the Manhattan is classically made with American rye, however, bourbon is a common substitute if you prefer. I prefer bourbon but interchange often!
- Sweet vermouth: look for Carpano Antica Formula, Dolin, Punt E Mes, or Noilly Pratt.
- Aromatic bitters: look for the classic Angostura bitters, Scrappy’s Aromatic bitters, or Fee Brothers Aromatic bitters.
- Optional brandied cherry: I like Luxardo.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Variations: Manhattan Versus Perfect Manhattan
Although the perfect Manhattan and regular Manhattan are the same drink, there are some variations. Traditionally, a classic Manhattan ismade with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The perfect Manhattan is made with one unique difference, equal parts sweet and dry vermouth.
For example, if a classic Manhattan is made with 2 parts whiskey to 1 part vermouth, we would split the vermouth into 1/2 sweet vermouth and 1/2 dry vermouth, retaining the initial overall vermouth ratio in the co*cktail. The perfect Manhattan is a touch lighter in color and sweetness, more similar to the Brooklyn co*cktail.
Best Whiskey for a Manhattan
- For rye whiskey, look for Rittenhouse, George Dickle, Michter’s, Putnam, or Sazerac Rye.
- If you prefer bourbon, I recommend Buffalo Trace, Larceny, Elijah Craig, Knob Creek, and Rowan’s Creek.
How to Make a Manhattan
Step 1.
Combine whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glasswith ice (preferably large ice chunks for ideal dilution).
Step 2.
Stir vigorously for 20 seconds.
Step 3.
Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora Glass and garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
Expert Tips
- Pick up some good vermouth: there’s no point in wasting nice whiskey with cheap vermouth. Here are a few of the best sweet vermouths without breaking the bank. Look for Carpano Antica Formula, Dolin, Punt E Mes or Noilly Pratt.
- Always stir with ice, never shake: whiskey co*cktails should always be stirred, otherwise, you’ll introduce unwanted oxygen and chips of ice into the drink. The ice will add just enough water to smooth the whiskey without diluting your co*cktail.
- Experiment with different types of bitters and garnishes: Angostura bitters and a Luxardo cherry garnish is the most traditional approach, but I like to switch it up with cherry bitters, orange bitters,Peychaud’s bitters, and an orange peel garnish. I like the subtle twists that add different aromas and flavors.
More Whiskey co*cktails
Manhattan co*cktail Recipe
Brooklyn co*cktail Recipe
Classic Boulevardier co*cktail with a Twist
Old Fashioned co*cktail Recipe
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this co*cktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & areview in the comments!
5 from 2 votes
Manhattan co*cktail Recipe
By: Shawn Williams
Servings: 1 co*cktail
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Total: 5 minutes mins
Save
The Manhattan drink made two different ways—perfectly constructed with bourbon, vermouth, bitters and garnish
Ingredients
Classic Manhattan
- 2 ounces American rye or bourbon
- 3/4-1 ounce sweet vermouth, Carpano Antica Formula, Dolin
- 2 dashes Aromatic bitters, Angostura, Scrappys
- Luxardo cherry for garnish
Perfect Manhattan
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Luxardo cherry or an orange twist for garnish
Instructions
Classic Recipe
Combine whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice (pref large chunks).
Stir vigorously for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
Perfect Manhattan
Combine whiskey, vermouth(s), and bitters in a mixing glasswith ice (pref large chunks).
Stir vigorously for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or an optional twist of orange peel.
Notes
Pick up some good vermouth: there’s no point in wasting nice whiskey with cheap vermouth. Here are a few of the best sweet vermouths without breaking the bank. Look for Carpano Antica Formula, Dolin, Punt E Mes or Noilly Pratt.
Always stir with ice, never shake: whiskey co*cktails should always be stirred, otherwise, you’ll introduce unwanted oxygen and chips of ice into the drink. The ice will add just enough water to smooth the whiskey without diluting your co*cktail.
Experiment with different types of bitters and garnishes: Angostura bitters and a Luxardo cherry garnish is the most traditional approach, but I like to switch it up with cherry bitters, orange bitters,Peychaud’s bitters, and an orange peel garnish. I like the subtle twists that add different aromas and flavors.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 4.8gSodium: 98mgSugar: 3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: co*cktail
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @kitchenswagger or tag #kitchenswagger!
