The Manhattan drink is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, garnished with a cherry or a twist of orange peel.
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 graced cocktail menus since the 1880s, offering a perfect balance of spirit-forward sophistication and aromatic complexity.
The Essential Manhattan Ingredients
At its core, the Manhattan contains just four key components:
- 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon (traditionally rye)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters (typically Angostura)
- 1 brandied cherry for garnish
The 2:1 ratio of whiskey to vermouth creates the perfect structural balance, while the bitters add depth and accentuate the whiskey’s oak-aged notes. For those who prefer their drinks less sweet, many bartenders recommend using a quality blender to crush ice that will dilute the drink slightly during stirring.
Whiskey Choices: Rye vs Bourbon
The whiskey selection sparks debate among cocktail enthusiasts:
| Rye Whiskey | Bourbon |
|---|---|
| Spicier, peppery notes | Sweeter, caramel flavors |
| Traditional New York choice | Kentucky-style alternative |
| Creates drier cocktail | Makes richer, rounder drink |
As cocktail expert Dylan Garrett notes, “Use the type of whiskey you like best.” The vermouth’s sweetness balances rye’s spice, while bourbon’s natural caramel notes complement the vermouth’s herbal complexity.
How to Make a Perfect Manhattan
Follow these steps for cocktail perfection:
- Chill a Nick & Nora or coupe glass
- Combine whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in mixing glass with ice
- Stir 30-45 seconds until well-chilled
- Strain into chilled glass
- Garnish with brandied cherry or lemon twist
For an exceptional home bar experience, consider investing in glassware that maintains temperature like those used by professionals.
Manhattan Variations to Try
While the classic recipe reigns supreme, several notable variations exist:
Rob Roy
Scotch whisky replaces rye/bourbon, with Benedictine instead of bitters
Perfect Manhattan
Uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth
Black Manhattan
Substitutes Averna amaro for sweet vermouth
Coffee Manhattan
Modern twist using coffee liqueur instead of vermouth
The History Behind the Drink
The Manhattan’s origins remain shrouded in mystery, with several competing theories:
- Manhattan Club Theory: Possibly created for Lady Randolph Churchill (though records disprove her presence)
- Dr. Iain Marshall: A club guest who may have inspired the drink
- Broadway Bartender: A mixologist named Black allegedly created it south of Houston Street
Despite unclear beginnings, the cocktail’s formula has remained remarkably consistent since its inception, unlike its cousin the Martini which has seen countless variations.
Manhattan vs. Old Fashioned
These two whiskey classics share DNA but differ in key ways:
- Old Fashioned: Whiskey + sugar + bitters
- Manhattan: Whiskey + vermouth (providing sugar) + bitters
As Liquor.com explains, the Manhattan essentially replaces the Old Fashioned’s sugar with vermouth, adding complexity through the fortified wine’s herbal flavors.
Elevating Your Manhattan Experience
Quality ingredients make all the difference in this simple cocktail:
Vermouth Selection
Mid-range brands like Cinzano or Martini & Rossi provide the “correct” flavor profile without overpowering the whiskey, though premium options can work for those who prefer more vermouth character.
Bitters Beyond Angostura
While Angostura remains standard, alternatives like Regan’s Orange Bitters or Fee Brothers’ Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters add unique dimensions.
Garnish Upgrades
Skip bright red maraschinos for Luxardo Marasca Cherries or Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries, which offer authentic fruit flavor and luxurious texture.
For those who enjoy crafting cocktails at home, having the right tools like a powerful blender for ice crushing can elevate your mixology game.
