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Treat yourself to a Manhattan Cocktail for your next happy hour! This classic cocktail recipe is easy to make – it’s a combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. If you love whiskey this drink is for you!
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
- 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 or buy a less expensive type of marinated cherry (like Pearl Cherries).
How to make a Manhattan Cocktail
- I usually start with a measuring cup full of ice to chill the drink. Alternately, you can use a cocktail shaker.
- Add all ingredients to the cup and stir (or shake) to combine and chill the liquor.
- Strain the drink into a chilled glass and top with a cherry.
- A Manhattan Cocktail is a STRONG drink so be ready!
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.
- Is a Manhattan Drink an Old-Fashioned? No, but they’re similar: Both are made with whiskey and bitters, but a Manhattan has sweet vermouth while an old-fashioned is made with sugar.
Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Recipe Video
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 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.
