Manhattan cocktail, with its sweet, seductive flavor, has always been a top choice for cocktail enthusiasts, and I am no exception.
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Manhattan Cocktail recipe
The Manhattan is a classic and sophisticated cocktail that has stood the test of time. This iconic alcoholic drink has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. It is often confused with the Old Fashioned cocktail.
Manhattan cocktail vs Old Fashioned: The Manhattan is a harmonious blend of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. It uses sweet vermouth instead of simple syrup or sugar used in the Old Fashioned.
The drink is known for its balance of sweet, spicy, and herbal notes. It goes salty, savory bites like spiced olives, pistachios, and charcuterie. Rich dishes like grilled lamb, blue cheese, and smoked meats also balance its sweetness.
You can try bacon-wrapped dates, shrimp cocktail, or roasted chicken for a fuller spread. Dark chocolate desserts highlight the whiskey’s deep flavors.
The basic recipe for a Manhattan typically includes rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. This is how to make a Manhattan cocktail:
Classic Manhattan Cocktail
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey e.g., Bulleit Rye, Old Forester Rye, or Rittenhouse Rye
- 1 oz sweet vermouth e.g., NoillyPrat Rouge or Vermouth Routin
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino cherry or orange twist for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and add the dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds to chill the ingredients and achieve the desired dilution.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry or an orange twist.
SIMILAR RECIPES
Variations
The Manhattan cocktail recipe above is the traditional and basic one. You can create many variations from this. Here are some ideas to try:
- Dry Manhattan swaps out the sweet vermouth for dry vermouth. The result is a crisper, less sweet cocktail that lets the rye whiskey shine even more.
- Perfect Manhattan comes with both sweet and dry vermouth. This version creates a harmonious balance.
- Rob Roy Version uses Scotch instead of the rye for a smokier, peatier version of the Manhattan.
- Black Manhattan replaces the traditional rye with amaro—a bitter Italian herbal liqueur. It’s darker, more mysterious, and boasts a complex flavor profile.
- Greenpoint is a Brooklyn twist on the Manhattan. It adds Chartreuse liqueur to the recipe for a vibrant and aromatic kick.