5 Classic Manhattan Cocktail Recipes You'll Love

Exploring the Timeless Elegance of the Manhattan Cocktail

The Manhattan cocktail, an enduring icon in mixology, marries the rich complexities of whiskey with the sweet notes of vermouth, a dash of bitters, and a cherry for garnish. Known for its sophisticated taste and classic presentation, the Manhattan cocktail has a legendary status, often imagined in the hands of New York's elite in the speakeasies of the past. Let's dive into the top five classic variations that showcase its versatility.

The Original Manhattan Recipe

Here’s how to make the quintessential Manhattan:

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Rye Whiskey
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
• Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Rye Whiskey and Sweet Vermouth.
3. Add the bitters.
4. Stir until well chilled.
5. Strain into a martini or coupe glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.

🍒 Note: Traditionally, a Manhattan is stirred, not shaken, to preserve the clarity and smoothness of the drink.

The Perfect Manhattan

For a nuanced taste, try the Perfect Manhattan:

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Rye Whiskey or Bourbon
• 0.5 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 0.5 oz Dry Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Lemon Twist or Cherry (for garnish)
• Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Rye Whiskey or Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, and Dry Vermouth.
3. Add bitters and stir well.
4. Strain into a martini or coupe glass.
5. Garnish with either a lemon twist or a cherry.

The Dry Manhattan

For those who prefer less sweetness, here’s the Dry Manhattan:

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Rye Whiskey or Bourbon
• 1 oz Dry Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Lemon Twist (for garnish)
• Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey and dry vermouth.
3. Add bitters and stir until well chilled.
4. Strain into a martini or coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Black Manhattan

A modern twist using Averna:

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Rye Whiskey
• 1 oz Averna
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Luxardo Cherry (for garnish)
• Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add Rye Whiskey, Averna, and bitters.
3. Stir until chilled.
4. Strain into a glass.
5. Garnish with a Luxardo Cherry.

The Rob Roy

The classic with Scotch:

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Scotch Whisky
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Lemon Twist or Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
• Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Scotch Whisky and Sweet Vermouth.
3. Add bitters and stir.
4. Strain into a martini or coupe glass.
5. Garnish with either a lemon twist or a cherry.

The Manhattan cocktail, in its many forms, invites you to explore the depths of whiskey’s range and vermouth’s versatility. Whether sipping the classic rendition or opting for a variation like the Black Manhattan, each version speaks to the enduring charm of this iconic cocktail.

In this journey through classic Manhattan recipes, we’ve learned how variations can highlight different elements of whiskey, from the choice of spirit to the balance of sweetness or dryness. These recipes not only cater to different palates but also demonstrate the flexibility and timelessness of mixology.

As we end this exploration, you might find yourself ready to mix up a Manhattan with a newfound appreciation for its history and flavors. Here’s to your own experiments and discoveries with this timeless cocktail.

What’s the difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned?

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A Manhattan uses whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, while an Old Fashioned typically includes whiskey or bourbon, sugar, bitters, and soda or just water. The presence of vermouth and the specific proportions differentiate the two.

Can I use bourbon instead of rye in a Manhattan?

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Yes, bourbon adds a sweeter profile due to its higher corn content. While traditionalists might argue for rye, bourbon Manhattans are equally delicious and a popular choice.

Why stir a Manhattan instead of shaking it?

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Stirring dilutes the cocktail less and avoids breaking up the ice, which can make the drink too cold and watery, losing some of its depth and balance.

Related Terms:

• recipe for manhattan
• Martini
• Manhattan koktail
• Whiskey sour
• Sazerac
• Tom Collins