Manhattan
The quintessential whiskey cocktail—rye, vermouth and bitters in perfect harmony—serving as the template for a whole family of spirit-forward drinks.
32%
ABV
180
Calories
Coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
Flavor Journey
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Combine rye, vermouth and bitters in a mixing glass with ice
Stir 20–30 seconds until icy cold and properly diluted
Strain into the chilled glass
Garnish with a brandied cherry
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use rye for a peppery backbone or bourbon for a softer style
Chill the serving glass for maximum snap
Employ fresh, well-kept vermouth and measure bitters carefully
A few drops of saline make the cocktail's flavors pop
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Manhattan.
Bourbon Manhattan
A cornerstone of classic American cocktails, this sophisticated and spirit-forward libation elegantly balances the sweetness and spice of bourbon with the herbaceous complexity of sweet vermouth and the aromatic punctuation of bitters.
Perfect Manhattan
The pinnacle of cocktail balance, splitting vermouth between sweet and dry styles to achieve sophisticated equilibrium between whiskey's spice and vermouth's complexity.
Rob Roy
The Scotch Manhattan—blended Scotch, sweet vermouth, and bitters stirred silky cold with a cherry garnish.
Brooklyn
Rye, dry vermouth, maraschino, and bitter orange liqueur—a pre‑Prohibition Manhattan cousin with floral funk and Picon‑style bite.
Black Manhattan
A modern classic swapping sweet vermouth for Averna amaro—rye, Averna, and bitters stirred silky cold for a brooding, bittersweet sipper.
History & Heritage
“Likely conceived at New York's Manhattan Club in the early 1870s, the drink showcased vermouth's arrival in American mixology. While tales of Jennie Jerome commissioning it are apocryphal, by the 1880s the Manhattan was cemented as a barroom staple whose whiskey‑and‑vermouth blueprint inspired countless relatives like the Brooklyn and Rob Roy.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Perfect Manhattan
The pinnacle of cocktail balance, splitting vermouth between sweet and dry styles to achieve sophisticated equilibrium between whiskey's spice and vermouth's complexity.
Bourbon Manhattan
A cornerstone of classic American cocktails, this sophisticated and spirit-forward libation elegantly balances the sweetness and spice of bourbon with the herbaceous complexity of sweet vermouth and the aromatic punctuation of bitters.
Bourbon Vieux Carré
A timeless New Orleans classic that beautifully encapsulates the city's multicultural heritage. This sophisticated cocktail masterfully blends American rye whiskey, French cognac and Bénédictine, Italian sweet vermouth, and Creole bitters for a harmonious and richly layered experience.