Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

The Manhattan drink made two slightly different ways (classic versus perfect). Either way, it’s always constructed with bourbon, vermouth, and bitters.

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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.

Manhattan cocktail served with a brandied cherry.

The beauty of the Manhattan cocktail lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Traditionally, the drink is made with three key components: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Rye whiskey was the original choice, but bourbon is commonly used today, offering a smoother and slightly sweeter profile.

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 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 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 sweetness.

Manhattan Ingredients

  • 2 ounces whiskey
  • 3/4-1 ounce sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Optional brandied cherry

Perfect Manhattan Ingredients

  • 2 ounces whiskey
  • 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
  • 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Optional brandied cherry
Manhattan cocktail ingredients.

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

Step 1.

Combine whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.

Mixing a Manhattan cocktail in a mixing glass.

Step 2.

Stir vigorously for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass or serve on the rocks if you prefer.

Pouring a chilled Manhattan cocktail into a glass.

Step 3.

Garnish with 1 cherry and serve immediately.

Best Bourbon

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

If you prefer rye whiskey, I like Geordle Dickle Rye, Michter’s, or Sazerac Rye

Tips & Tricks

  • 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 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.

More Whiskey Cocktails

Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
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Manhattan Cocktail Recipe Two Ways

★★★★ 4 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Shawn Williams
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Category: Cocktail
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

The Manhattan drink made two different ways—perfectly constructed with bourbon, vermouth, bitters and garnish

Ingredients

Scale

Classic Manhattan

  • 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 3/4–1 ounces sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Garnish with a Luxardo cherry

Perfect Manhattan

  • 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

  1. Combine the first 3 ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. 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

  1. Combine the first 4 ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir vigorously for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass or serve on the rocks with fresh ice.
  3. 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