Manhattan

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A timeless classic cocktail featuring rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, stirred to perfection and garnished with a maraschino cherry.

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Recipe

1 cocktail (97ml)

Rye Whiskey
50 ml
Sweet Red Vermouth
25 ml
Angostura Aromatic Bitters
2 dash
Maraschino Cherry
1 piece

Recipe credit: Classic recipe adapted from traditional bartending standards

Instructions

3 minutes to make

Step

Chill the coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while preparing the drink.

Step

Add rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.

Step

Stir gently for 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the drink properly, maintaining clarity and silky texture.

Step

Empty the ice from your chilled glass and strain the cocktail into the glass using a fine strainer.

Step

Garnish with a maraschino cherry dropped into the glass and serve immediately.

Equipment

Mixing glass

Bar spoon

Jigger

Julep Strainer

Description

The Manhattan is one of the most iconic cocktails in history, dating back to the 1870s. This sophisticated drink showcases the perfect balance of spicy rye whiskey, sweet Italian vermouth, and aromatic bitters. When properly executed, it delivers a complex, warming experience that has made it a staple in cocktail culture for over 150 years.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (97ml)

Calories

185

ABV

32.5 %

Alcohol

24.8 g

Carbs

4.2 g

Carbs from Sugar

4 g

Fat

0 g

Protein

0.1 g

Sodium

2 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Allergens

Sulfites

Tips & Notes

Always stir, never shake a Manhattan - shaking creates unwanted aeration and cloudiness that disrupts the drink's elegant clarity and silky texture.
Use fresh vermouth and store it refrigerated after opening - vermouth is a fortified wine that oxidizes quickly, losing flavor within a month of opening.
Adjust the whiskey-to-vermouth ratio to taste: 2:1 is classic, but try 2.5:1 for drier or 1.5:1 for sweeter preferences.
Chill your glassware thoroughly - the temperature contrast enhances the drinking experience and helps maintain the cocktail's optimal temperature longer.
For a Perfect Manhattan variation, use equal parts sweet and dry vermouth (12.5ml each) for a more balanced, less sweet profile.

What's the difference between rye whiskey and bourbon in a Manhattan?

Rye whiskey provides a spicier, drier backbone that’s traditional for Manhattans, while bourbon creates a sweeter, rounder drink with more vanilla and caramel notes. Both are excellent – choose based on your flavor preference.

How long should I stir a Manhattan?

Stir for 30-45 seconds – this provides optimal chilling and dilution (about 20-25%) without over-diluting. The drink should feel very cold when you stop stirring.

Can I make a Manhattan without bitters?

While technically possible, bitters are essential for a proper Manhattan – they provide crucial aromatic complexity and balance. Without bitters, you essentially have whiskey and vermouth, missing the cocktail’s defining character.

What's the best vermouth for a Manhattan?

High-quality sweet red vermouths like Carpano Antica, Dolin Rouge, or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino work excellently. Each brings different flavor profiles – Carpano is rich and vanilla-forward, while Dolin is more herbaceous.

Should I use the cherry syrup in my Manhattan?

A few drops of cherry syrup can enhance the drink’s sweetness and color, but use sparingly. High-quality cocktail cherries like Luxardo provide better flavor integration than artificial maraschino cherry syrup.