Manhattan Cocktail
on Feb 25, 2022, Updated Nov 18, 2024
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This classic whiskey cocktail instantly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a swanky bar or maybe even gone back in time.
A Manhattan in your hand instantly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a swanky bar or maybe even gone back in time. The beauty of the classic cocktail cannot be overstated. Sip it slowly and take it in. Drink this cocktail alongside Roasted Pork Shoulder with Rosemary, Mustard, and Garlic, Chicken Milanese, or Grilled Flat Iron Steak.
Table of Contents
Manhattan Cocktail: This classic cocktail instantly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a swanky bar, or maybe even gone back in time.
Manhattan Cocktail Origin
The Manhattan gets its name, honestly, because it was created at the Manhattan Club in New York City in 1874. It was made with sweet vermouth and rye, though there have been more versions of this drink than one could possibly count. Now, a Sweet Manhattan connotes a Manhattan made with sweet vermouth, a Dry Manhattan is one made with dry vermouth, and a perfect Manhattan usually means a drink made with a combo of sweet and dry vermouths. The bitters are an essential ingredient, adding flavor and dimension to the drink.
Ingredients
- Rye or bourbon – Both liquors work. Rye whiskey will offer spicier and more peppery notes, while bourbon will be a bit sweeter. You may want to vary the ratio based on the liquor you choose.
- Sweet vermouth – Adds richness and a rounder flavor profile.
- Angostura bitters – Provides a touch of warm spiciness. While Angostura is the best-known brand, other bitters companies also make excellent aromatic bitters.
- Maraschino or marinated cherries – For a sweet garnish.
Kitchen Smarts
Maraschino or marinated cherries are the classic garnish for Manhattans. Sometimes, you see an orange twist used as a garnish, in addition to or in place of the cherries. Try to find some nice upscale marinated cherries to use in place of the traditional vermillion-syrupy maraschino cherries to give this drink a final sophisticated twist. Or get yourself the best maraschino cherries out there; Luxardo is the brand most bartenders like the most.
Variations
- You can turn this into a non-alcoholic cocktail by switching to an alcohol-free whiskey and using a Martini & Rossi non-alcoholic vermouth.
- Some people prefer their Manhattan stirred — there’s much debate about that! If you want to try it, use a long spoon (or barspoon) and stir it for a full 30 seconds to get a good dilution from the ice that chills the drink and marries the flavors. Strain it over fresh ice into the glass.
How to Make a Manhattan
- Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker with ice shake together the liquor, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the drink into a cocktail glass or chilled rocks glass over fresh ice. Top with cherries, and enjoy!
What to Serve with Manhattans
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Manhattan Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 Maraschino or marinated cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pour the rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, and sweet vermouth into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, until the outside of the shaker is very, very cold and beaded with condensation.
- Strain the drink into two chilled rocks. Add a cherry to each glass.
Notes
- You can turn this into a non-alcoholic cocktail by switching to an alcohol-free whiskey and using a Martini & Rossi non-alcoholic vermouth.
- Some people prefer their Manhattan stirred — there’s much debate about that! If you want to try it, use a long spoon (or barspoon) and stir it for a full 30 seconds to get a good dilution from the ice that chills the drink and marries the flavors. Strain it over fresh ice into the glass.
