Manhattan cocktail
The Manhattan cocktail is New York city's signature cocktail and a whiskey lovers dream.
The Manhattan is a cocktail made from whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters and its invention is claimed as far back as 1870. The cocktail is quite strong, rich and spicy, containing sweet flavours
If you cannot find Angostura bitters, then the more common botanical bitters are a suitable substitute.
Fans of the manhattan cocktail would probably also enjoy the Brandy Manhattan with brandy instead of whisky, the Dry Brandy Manhattan with dry vermouth, or the Old Fashioned cocktail.
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2.5
Equipment
- Cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 75 ml whiskey
- 25 ml vermouth
- 2-3 dashes angostura bitters
- crushed ice
Optional
- 1 cherry
Instructions
- Add the crushed ice, whiskey, vermouth and angostura bitters to a shaker.
- With the lid on, shake just enough to mix all the flavours.
- Strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with cherry.
FAQ
Is a manhattan drink sweet?
A manhattan has a complex set of flavours, it is slightly sweet, yet strong, and has a kick from the bitters used.
Which whiskey is best for a Manhattan?
Rye whiskey is the classic choice, giving the cocktail a dry, spicy backbone. Bourbon makes it smoother and sweeter, while Canadian whisky creates a lighter, gentler version. The choice of whiskey changes the drink’s personality just as much as rum choice does in a Mojito or Piña Colada.
Is the Manhattan better with rye or bourbon?
Traditionally rye is used for its spicier profile, but bourbon makes it smoother and sweeter.
What’s the difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned?
An Old Fashioned is made with whiskey, sugar, and bitters, letting the spirit shine with minimal interference. The Manhattan, by contrast, blends whiskey with vermouth and bitters, making it more herbal, rounded, and aromatic.
What vermouth works best?
Sweet red vermouth is traditional, though the brand and style you pick can tilt the cocktail drier, richer, or spicier. Just like in a Negroni, vermouth is a key player, not a background ingredient.
How should you serve a Manhattan?
It’s usually stirred and served “up” in a coupe or martini glass with a cocktail cherry. Some prefer it on the rocks in a tumbler for slower dilution, similar to the serving style of the Old Fashioned.