Manhattan Drink Recipe: The Classic Cocktail Explained
A Manhattan drink is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, typically garnished with a cherry or lemon twist.
The Manhattan cocktail stands as one of the most iconic whiskey drinks in mixology history. This timeless blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters has maintained its popularity for over a century thanks to its perfect balance of flavors.
The Essential Manhattan Ingredients
At its core, the Manhattan contains just four components:
- Whiskey: Traditionally rye, though bourbon works well
- Sweet vermouth: Italian-style red vermouth
- Bitters: Typically Angostura aromatic bitters
- Garnish: Usually a brandied cherry or lemon twist
Choosing Your Whiskey
The whiskey debate for Manhattans comes down to rye versus bourbon:
| Rye Whiskey | Bourbon |
|---|---|
| Spicier, peppery notes | Sweeter, caramel flavors |
| Traditional New York choice | Kentucky-style alternative |
| Creates a drier cocktail | Makes a richer drink |
For those exploring whiskey cocktails further, check out our guide to the best blenders for mixed drinks to craft perfect cocktails at home.
How to Make a Perfect Manhattan
The classic preparation method remains unchanged since the 1880s:
- Combine 2 oz whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes bitters in a mixing glass
- Add ice and stir for 30 seconds until well-chilled
- Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
- Garnish with a quality cherry or lemon twist
Pro Tips for Manhattan Success
According to Liquor.com’s experts, these details elevate your Manhattan:
- Use fresh vermouth (refrigerate after opening)
- Stir, don’t shake, to maintain clarity
- Invest in quality cherries like Luxardo
- Chill your glass beforehand
Manhattan Variations to Try
While the classic recipe reigns supreme, several delicious variations exist:
Popular Manhattan Twists
- Rob Roy: Scotch whisky replaces rye/bourbon
- Perfect Manhattan: Equal parts sweet and dry vermouth
- Black Manhattan: Substitutes Averna for vermouth
- Coffee Manhattan: Uses coffee liqueur instead of vermouth
For those who enjoy experimenting with cocktail ingredients, our review of the best blender for frozen drinks might interest you.
The History Behind the Manhattan
The cocktail’s origins remain shrouded in mystery, with several competing theories:
- Created at New York’s Manhattan Club in the 1880s
- Possibly invented for Lady Randolph Churchill (though records disprove this)
- Attributed to bartender “Black” on Broadway
As noted by cocktail historian Rick Rodgers, the drink’s recipe has remained remarkably consistent despite its unclear beginnings.
Manhattan vs. Similar Cocktails
The Manhattan shares DNA with other classic drinks:
Manhattan vs. Old Fashioned
Both use whiskey and bitters, but differ in sweetener:
- Old Fashioned uses sugar or simple syrup
- Manhattan uses sweet vermouth (which contains about 1 tsp sugar per oz)
Manhattan vs. Martini
These cousins differ in base spirit and vermouth type:
- Martini uses gin and dry vermouth
- Manhattan uses whiskey and sweet vermouth
Whether you’re mixing Manhattans or other cocktails, proper equipment makes all the difference. Consider exploring our picks for the best blender for hot and cold drinks to expand your home bar capabilities.
