This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.
Treat yourself to a Manhattan Drink for your next happy hour! This classic cocktail recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients. It’s a combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters – learn how to make it and what makes it special!
What is a Manhattan drink recipe?
It’s adult beverage time, and what better drink to make than a classic Manhattan cocktail recipe? Named for where it was created at New York City’s Manhattan Club. This classic drink is said to have been invented for Winston Churchill’s mother, Lady Randolph Churchill – and now you can make it at home!
This classic cocktail has been around since the late 1800s and is still a popular drink today. It’s a combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and angostura bitters. It’s usually served in a martini glass or low-ball glass.
A Manhattan has just 3 ingredients plus a garnish and you can make the traditional recipe with rye whiskey or substitute Canadian whiskey or bourbon. It’s such a simple cocktail recipe!
Manhattan Cocktail Ingredients
As always, use your favorite brands for liquor, but the more top shelf it is the better your drink will taste.
- Rye Whiskey – Rye whiskey is less sweet, compared to bourbon. You can use either one for this cocktail. Test out combinations with each whiskey and type of vermouth until you have a sweet and dry combo you like best.
- Sweet Vermouth – Vermouth is a fortified wine that comes in two types: dry and sweet. I prefer using 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth in this drink.
- Bitters – Bitters are a botanical used to add flavor to cocktails. I use regular bitters for this drink, but you can even use a flavored one if you want.
- Cherry garnish – a jar of Luxardo cherries are the most common used. They’re marasca cherries that are candied and steeped in a syrup, and they can be expensive. You can use a slice of orange peel if you don’t have them.
How to make a Manhattan drink:
- Place the ice in a mixing glass and add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Strain the drink into a low-ball glass or martini glass (just make sure it’s a chilled cocktail glass!)
- Garnish it with a cherry and serve. It’s the perfect Manhattan cocktail!
Manhattan Variations
- Bourbon Manhattan – This is this classic recipe made with bourbon.
- Dry Manhattan – Use dry vermouth in place of sweet.
- Rob Roy – This classic manhattan drink made with scotch in place of the whiskey.
- Brandy Manhattan – Also called a Metropolitan, this uses brandy in place of the whiskey.
- You can also swap Southern Comfort for the Whiskey.
This is just a few of the variations – there are too many to list!
FAQ
They are very similar. Both are made with whiskey and bitters, but a Manhattan has sweet vermouth while an old-fashioned is made with sugar.
It is a strong drink – a little goes a long way!
No one knows for sure, but most think that it was created for a party held at the Manhattan Club in New York City. This was way back in the late 1800s! But, it’s not absolutely clear that this is the truth – some think it was a drink created at a bar in NYC and then got the name Manhattan. However it came to be, it’s a classic and continues to be a popular cocktail.
Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Rye Whiskey
- ¾ ounce sweet vermouth
- Dash Angostura bitters
- Luxardo Cherry garnish
Instructions
- Place ice into a mixing glass. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, gently stir to combine.
- Strain into glass. Garnish with a cherry and serve.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- This is the classic recipe, not an original.
- Typically Rye whiskey is used but Canadian whisky, bourbon, and blended Whiskey can be used in its place.
- Some garnish with orange peel or a modern maraschino cherry. Luxardo cherries are the original maraschino cherry before the bright red ones began being used.
Recipe Nutrition
Other Favorite Cocktail Recipes
You can’t go wrong with this Manhattan drink recipe if you want an easy cocktail. Pick up the ingredients and treat yourself to one soon!
