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Dating back to the 19th century, the Manhattan is one of the most well-known, classic cocktails of all time. There are a few different stories behind how the Manhattan cocktail 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.
Table of Contents
Brief History
Dating back to the 19th century, the Manhattan is one of the most well-known, classic cocktails of all time. There are a few different stories behind how the Manhattan cocktail 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.
Traditionally, the drink is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Rye was the original spirit of choice, but bourbon is commonly used today, offering a slightly sweeter profile. If you enjoy this cocktail, you should also try the similar Brooklyn or my fall-inspired Maple Walnut Manhattan. For a perfect variation, use equal parts sweet and dry vermouth (½ ounce each) in place of sweet vermouth.
Looking for more delicious whiskey classic cocktails? Don’t miss my Old Fashioned cocktail, Whiskey Sour, or Sazerac.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Rye whiskey: the Manhattan is classically made with American rye, however, bourbon is a common substitute if you prefer. I prefer bourbon but interchange often!
- Sweet vermouth: look for Carpano Antica Formula, Dolin, Punt E Mes, or Noilly Pratt.
- Aromatic bitters: look for the classic Angostura bitters, Scrappy’s Aromatic bitters, or Fee Brothers Aromatic bitters.
- Optional brandied cherry: I like Luxardo brand cherries. They’re rich and delicious and add additional flavor unlike the artificially died bright red cherries.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Variations: 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 2 parts whiskey to 1 part vermouth, we would split the vermouth into 1/2 sweet vermouth and 1/2 dry vermouth, retaining the initial overall vermouth ratio in the cocktail. The perfect Manhattan is a touch lighter in color and sweetness, more similar to the Brooklyn cocktail.
Expert Tips
- Use nice 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: shaking can introduce unwanted oxygen and overdilute the 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.
- For rye whiskey, look for Rittenhouse, George Dickle, Michter’s, Putnam, or Sazerac Rye. If you prefer bourbon, there arr countless options but a few favorites are Buffalo Trace, Larceny, Elijah Craig, and Rowan’s Creek.
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!
Manhattan Cocktail
Ingredients
Classic Manhattan
- 2 ounces American rye or bourbon
- 3/4-1 ounce sweet vermouth, Carpano Antica Formula, Dolin
- 2 dashes Aromatic bitters, Angostura, Scrappys
- Luxardo cherry for garnish
Perfect Manhattan
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Luxardo cherry or an orange twist for garnish
Instructions
Classic Recipe
- Combine whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice (pref large chunks).
- Stir vigorously for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
Perfect Manhattan
- Combine whiskey, vermouth(s), and bitters in a mixing glass with ice (pref large chunks).
- Stir vigorously for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or an optional twist of orange peel.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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
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