If you’ve ever wanted to transport yourself to a glamorous, jazz-filled New York lounge, the Manhattan is your ticket. This remarkable cocktail, celebrated for generations, shines with its sophisticated blend of rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and an iconic splash of bitters. It’s a drink with history, elegance, and intrigue all in one glass. Whether you love sipping by candlelight or serving a crowd for special celebrations, the Manhattan is your go-to classic for effortless style and deeply satisfying flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rye Manhattan:
- 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- maraschino cherry or lemon twist for garnish
- ice cubes

How to Make Manhattan

Step 1: Chill Your Glass

Before you even think about mixing, pop your martini or coupe glass in the freezer for a couple of minutes. This little touch keeps the Manhattan perfectly cold, from first sip to last, making your cocktail hour feel extra special.

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients

In a mixing glass, add plenty of fresh ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of your chosen rye whiskey or bourbon, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and precisely 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. The bitters may seem minor but trust me, they’re absolutely vital for that distinctive Manhattan flavor.

Step 3: Stir, Don’t Shake

Stir your mixture gently for about 30 seconds. This step is all about control—you want the cocktail perfectly diluted and chilled, but not watered down. Using a bar spoon or even a regular long spoon will do the trick. Stirring preserves the silky clarity the Manhattan is known for.

Step 4: Strain and Pour

Take your chilled glass out and strain the cocktail into it, being careful to catch any stray ice. You can use a classic julep strainer or a regular strainer; the Manhattan is forgiving as long as you keep it icy cold.

Step 5: Garnish With Style

Now for the flair! Drop in a maraschino cherry for a plush, sweet finish or opt for a twist of lemon if you crave a bit of citrus. Either way, your Manhattan is now ready for that first, unforgettable taste.

How to Serve Manhattan

Garnishes

A true Manhattan isn’t complete without its signature garnish. The maraschino cherry offers a hint of nostalgic sweetness, while a lemon twist brings modern, aromatic zing. Rim the glass lightly with the lemon peel before dropping it in to release essential oils for a tantalizing fragrance.

Side Dishes

This cocktail plays beautifully with savory snacks. Salty nuts, olives, or smoky cheese plates all enhance the bold flavors of the Manhattan. For a full New York vibe, serve alongside a small plate of charcuterie or classic bar pretzels.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to put your own spin on serving, try using vintage coupe glasses, or add an artful skewer of brandied cherries for an elegant touch. For a party, set up a DIY Manhattan bar where guests can choose bourbon or rye and their favorite garnish—instant fun and conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with an extra pour (it happens rarely, but you never know), transfer your Manhattan to a small airtight bottle or jar and refrigerate. It’ll stay nice for about 24 hours before the flavors start to fade.

Freezing

While you wouldn’t want to freeze a fully mixed Manhattan, you can absolutely store a pre-mixed batch in the freezer if you plan to serve a crowd. Portion out the garnishes later and give it a quick stir before serving so everything melds nicely.

Reheating

The delightful sophistication of a Manhattan is best enjoyed icy cold, so skip reheating. If your refrigerated cocktail isn’t quite as frosty as you’d like, simply pour it over fresh ice and stir for a few seconds to bring back that chilled magic.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned?

While both are whiskey-based classics, a Manhattan uses sweet vermouth and bitters for a smooth, aromatic finish, whereas an Old Fashioned sticks with sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist for a sweeter, more direct flavor.

Can I use dry vermouth instead of sweet?

Yes, for a drier, more bracing take on the Manhattan, simply swap in dry vermouth. The result is crisp and slightly savory—a great twist for adventurous palates.

Is it necessary to stir instead of shake?

Absolutely! Stirring, rather than shaking, keeps the Manhattan silky clear and preserves its refined texture. Shaking tends to add unwanted air bubbles and can over-dilute the drink.

Which whiskey is best for a Manhattan: rye or bourbon?

Both options are delicious, but rye brings peppery spice and a lean profile, while bourbon leans sweeter and rounder. Try both and see which kind of Manhattan wins your heart!

How do I make a batch of Manhattans for a party?

Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you’re serving, mix in a large pitcher with ice, stir well, then strain into glasses. Keep chilled for the best results and serve garnishes on the side for people to customize.

Final Thoughts

The Manhattan is one of those timeless cocktails that always adds a touch of old-school glamour to any moment. If you haven’t tried crafting it at home yet, now’s your chance—gather your ingredients, stir up some fun, and see just why the Manhattan remains the king of classic cocktails.

Manhattan Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A classic cocktail recipe for a Manhattan, featuring rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, garnished with a maraschino cherry or lemon twist. Perfect for sipping and enjoying the rich flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Rye Manhattan:

2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon
1 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
maraschino cherry or lemon twist for garnish
ice cubes

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Instructions

Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes. Add the rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
Stir gently for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a lemon twist.
Serve immediately.