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Dating back to the 19th century, the Manhattan cocktail is one of the most well-known, classic cocktails of all time. There are a few different stories behind how the Manhattan first originated, but I think it’s safe to say it is one of the five borough cocktails that came out of New York in the mid-1800s.
What’s typically in a Manhattan? Bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Simple enough that you can just about order one at any reliable bar or restaurant and get it made correctly. Not to be confused with the old fashioned, which is made with bourbon, sugar, and bitters.
Manhattan Versus Perfect Manhattan
Although the perfect Manhattan and regular Manhattan are the same drink, there are some variations. Traditionally, a classic Manhattan is made with rye whiskey or bourbon, 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 3 parts whiskey to 1 1/2 parts vermouth, we would split the vermouth into 3/4 sweet vermouth and 3/4 dry vermouth, retaining the initial overall vermouth ratio in the cocktail. The perfect Manhattan is a touch lighter in color and bitterness.
Manhattan Ingredients
- 3 ounces whiskey
- 1 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Perfect Manhattan Ingredients
- 3 ounces whiskey
- 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
- 3/4 ounce dry vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
I’ve gone back and forth on the perfect versus classic Manhattan recipe. Both are delicious drinks, just a tad different in overall flavor. If your typical Manhattan feels a little too strong for your taste, the perfect Manhattan may be the lighter, smoother choice for you.
How to Make A Manhattan Cocktail
Making a good cocktail all comes down to proper technique and the right ingredients.
- There are SO MANY solid and affordable bourbons out there around the same price point. I really like:
- Buffalo Trace
- Larceny
- Elijah Craig
- Woodford Reserve
- Eagle Rare
- Knob Creek
- Rowan’s Creek
- 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.
- Carpano Antica Formula
- Dolin
- Punt E Mes
- Noilly Pratt
- ALWAYS stir with ice, never shake. Whiskey cocktails 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 take the burn off the whiskey without diluting your cocktail.
- 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.
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Manhattan Cocktail Recipe Two Ways
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Manhattan drink made two different ways—perfectly constructed with bourbon, vermouth, bitters and garnish
Ingredients
Classic Manhattan
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 3/4 ounces sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry
Perfect Manhattan
- 2 1/2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Luxardo cherry for garnish
- Orange peel (optional)
Instructions
Classic
- Combine the first 3 ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir vigorously for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass or serve on the rocks with fresh ice. Garnish with a cherry and serve immediately.
Perfect
- Combine the first 4 ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir vigorously for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass or serve up on the rocks.
- Twist and squeeze the orange peel over the cocktail to release the oils. Rub the rim of the glass with the peel and drop it into the cocktail. Garnish with 1 cherry and serve immediately.
Notes
Traditionally a Manhattan is served straight up, but over ice is okay if you prefer. Always use fresh ice to prevent dilution.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 255
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 98mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4.8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: how to make a manhattan manhattan recipe, perfect Manhattan, manhattan drink
Sorry, there are several mistakes here. Manhattan’s are traditionally made with Rye not “always with bourbon”. Also, although this isn’t one, there are plenty of shaken whiskey cocktails. Finally, the proportions should be 2 ounces whiskey, 1 ounce vermouth, 2 dashes bitters.
★★
Same ratio 🙂
Just came accross your site, love the recipes and cocktails. I wouldn’t say that the perfect version is less strong than the regular but less sweet. I love Manhattan’s, but always use Rye over Bourbon as it’s spicier and less sweet and prefer prefect over orginial for the same reason. Always with a Luxardo cherry! Superb. I’m drinking this now while I prepare your cast iron lamb chops with cognac butter sauce….what a wounderful night, my wife is happy 🙂 Cheers
I was wondering what kind of champagne I should use for a Black Velvet?
Try substituting Stonebreaker American-Irish whiskey (or other Irish whiskey ) for the rye/bourbon for a smoother “Nine Points Manhattan”, an homage to the Irish working class neighborhood in Manhattan in the mid 1800s – think Gangs of New York.
★★★★★
Love this cocktail – the perfect ratio
★★★★★