Manhattan

Manhattan is a smooth, aromatic cocktail with the warming spice of rye whiskey, the herbal sweetness of vermouth, and the subtle bitter lift of Angostura. Served ice-cold and crystal clear, it is elegant, strong, and unmistakably classic.

Nutrition · per serving

152kcal

0gProtein

4.8gCarbs

0gFat

0gFiber

2 servings

Ingredients

5 items

Cocktail

rye whiskey100 ml

sweet vermouth50 ml

Angostura bitters4 dashes

ice cubes300 g

Garnish

maraschino cherries2

Tips

•For a balanced classic Manhattan, use a rye whiskey with spicy, peppery notes and a fresh bottle of sweet vermouth.
•If you prefer a slightly drier drink, reduce the sweet vermouth to 40 ml total.
•Store opened sweet vermouth in the refrigerator and use within about 1 month for the best flavor.
•A brandied or high-quality maraschino cherry gives a cleaner finish than bright red artificially flavored cocktail cherries.

Steps

1
Chill 2 coupe or cocktail glasses in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill them with ice water while you mix the drink. A cold glass keeps the Manhattan silky and properly brisk.
2
Fill a mixing glass with the ice cubes. Pour in the rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, then add the Angostura bitters.
300 g ice cubes100 ml rye whiskey50 ml sweet vermouth4 dashes Angostura bitters
3
Stir smoothly with a bar spoon for 25-30 seconds, until the outside of the mixing glass is very cold. Stirring, rather than shaking, gives the cocktail the classic clear appearance and controlled dilution.
300 g ice cubes100 ml rye whiskey50 ml sweet vermouth4 dashes Angostura bitters
4
Discard any ice water from the chilled glasses if using. Strain the cocktail evenly into the 2 glasses. Garnish each serving with 1 maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
2 maraschino cherries

Origin & History

The Manhattan is one of the foundational American cocktails, likely developed in New York City in the late 19th century. It became a benchmark for spirit-forward drinks, pairing whiskey with Italian vermouth and bitters in a formula that influenced countless later cocktails.

american cocktail whiskey classic beginner stirred

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Steps

Chill 2 coupe or cocktail glasses in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill them with ice water while you mix the drink. A cold glass keeps the Manhattan silky and properly brisk.

Fill a mixing glass with the ice cubes. Pour in the rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, then add the Angostura bitters.

300 g ice cubes100 ml rye whiskey50 ml sweet vermouth4 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir smoothly with a bar spoon for 25-30 seconds, until the outside of the mixing glass is very cold. Stirring, rather than shaking, gives the cocktail the classic clear appearance and controlled dilution.

300 g ice cubes100 ml rye whiskey50 ml sweet vermouth4 dashes Angostura bitters

Discard any ice water from the chilled glasses if using. Strain the cocktail evenly into the 2 glasses. Garnish each serving with 1 maraschino cherry and serve immediately.

2 maraschino cherries