Manhattan
A timeless classic, the Manhattan cocktail balances the spicy notes of rye whiskey with the rich sweetness of vermouth and a hint of aromatic bitters. Sophisticated, smooth, and surprisingly simple to make at home, it's the perfect drink for any occasion.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Glassware: Place four coupe or martini glasses in the freezer to chill for at least 10 minutes. A chilled glass is essential for keeping the cocktail at the perfect temperature.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass or pitcher, pour the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir and Chill: Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with fresh, cold ice cubes. Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture briskly and continuously for 25-30 seconds. The goal is to chill and slightly dilute the drink, which mellows the alcohol. The outside of the mixing glass should become frosty.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Strain and Garnish: Using a julep or Hawthorne strainer, strain the cocktail evenly into the four chilled glasses. For an enhanced aroma, express the oils from a strip of orange peel over each drink by twisting it over the surface. Garnish each cocktail with a brandied cherry and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Stir, Don't Shake: A Manhattan is a spirit-forward cocktail. Shaking aerates and 'bruises' the spirits, resulting in a cloudy drink. Stirring maintains a silky, clear texture.
- 2Quality Ingredients Matter: The simplicity of this cocktail means the quality of your whiskey and vermouth will shine through. Don't skimp on these.
- 3Refrigerate Your Vermouth: Vermouth is a fortified wine and will oxidize once opened. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to a month.
- 4Use Large Ice Cubes: Larger ice cubes melt more slowly, allowing you to achieve the perfect chill and dilution without making the drink watery.
- 5Express the Peel: Don't skip expressing the orange peel. The citrus oils on the surface of the drink add a wonderful aromatic dimension that complements the whiskey and vermouth.
Adapt it for your goals.
Perfect Manhattan
For a drier, more complex flavor, use equal parts sweet vermouth and dry vermouth (60 ml of each).
Rob RoyRob Roy
Substitute the rye whiskey with an equal amount of Scotch whisky for a smokier, peatier version of the classic.
Bourbon ManhattanBourbon Manhattan
Use bourbon instead of rye for a slightly sweeter and smoother cocktail with notes of vanilla and caramel.
Black ManhattanBlack Manhattan
Replace the sweet vermouth with a high-quality Amaro, like Averna, for a drink with deeper, more bitter, and herbal notes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Moderation and Relaxation
Enjoying a well-crafted cocktail in moderation can be a relaxing ritual, helping to unwind and reduce stress after a long day.
Botanical Compounds
Vermouth and bitters are made with a variety of herbs, spices, and barks, which contain trace amounts of beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
A standard Manhattan cocktail contains approximately 180-200 calories, primarily from the whiskey and sweet vermouth.