Manhattan

5.00 · 2 reviews
Manhattan
Alcoholic Cocktail Coupe Glass 5 ingredients

Recipe

  • 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey (Preferably Rye)
  • 1 dash Angostura Bitters
  • 1 Maraschino Cherry
  • 1 Orange twist (Garnish)

Instructions

Combine the vermouth, bourbon whiskey, and bitters with 2 - 3 ice cubes in a mixing glass. Stir gently, don't bruise the spirits and cloud the drink. Place the cherry in a chilled cocktail glass and strain the whiskey mixture over the cherry. Rub the cut edge of the orange peel over the rim of the glass and twist it over the drink to release the oils but don't drop it in.
VARIATION: No Bitters. Substitute a twist of Lime for the Cherry and Orange. Hold the Lime twist in a lighted match over the drink and then drop it in. The heat really zips up the Lime flavor.

About Manhattan

A Manhattan cocktail is a classic and iconic cocktail that falls into the category of "short drinks" or "cocktails served in a stemmed glass." The key to a great Manhattan is the balance between the bold flavor of the whiskey, the sweetness of the vermouth, and the aromatic bitterness from the bitters. Some variations exist, such as using different types of bitters or garnishing with an orange twist.
It's worth noting that the choice of whiskey can influence the drink's flavor profile, and traditionalists often prefer rye whiskey for its spicier notes.

This cocktail is alcoholic, so drink responsibly! Best served in a Coupe Glass, though any glass works!

Feel free to get creative with substitutions — try different fruit types, sugar substitutes, or liquor brands. Crafting cocktails should be fun!


Shopping List

This drink uses 4 core ingredients. Click any ingredient to find more drinks featuring it:

  1. Vermouth (Sweet)
  2. Bourbon Whiskey
  3. Bitters
  4. Cherries

Suggested Listening

A track pairing to sip along to.

Reviews

5.00 (2 reviews)

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Justine
Justine Jan 15, 2026

This one is a classic. I usually go between the old fashioned and manhattan as my go-tos

musicfan88
musicfan88 Jan 8, 2026

Another one of my favorites. I’m a booze-forward guy, so this one scratches that itch. If you like the alcohol flavors masked, I’d look elsewhere. Otherwise, this one is great.

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