Classic Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Classic Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Classic Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

calories in a manhattan cocktail

Sip into sophistication with our Classic Manhattan recipe—an homage to timeless elegance, combining the smoothness of rye whisky, the depth of sweet vermouth and a hint of bitters.

When I think of killer cocktails that totally have a backstory, there is one that absolutely has me feeling some type of way: the Classic Manhattan. It’s got that swanky vibe of the city it’s named after. It’s a fabulous mix of rye whisky’s cozy warmth with sweet vermouth and, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, a splash of orange bitters to make the must-have hint of Angostura bitters pop. Oh, and let’s not forget the cherry on top—literally, a cute maraschino cherry.

If you’re all about that Sazerac or Whiskey Sour life, you’re gonna be crushing hard on the Manhattan. Sure, the ingredients might be a little different, but all these babies have that whiskey-loving thing going on. What sets the Manhattan apart is its flavor profile; it’s deep, aromatic, and has that touch of sweet that keeps the whiskey’s strength in check. This cocktail is a throwback that still feels bang on trend and is as mesmerizing as New York’s skyline.

INGREDIENTS

The important ingredients are the rye, vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Got them and you’ve got a Manhattan.

  • 2 oz. rye whiskey
  • 1 oz. sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
  • 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish

equipment needed

  • Martini glass
  • Mixing glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer (if not built in the mixing glass)
  • Jigger
  • Garnishing stick (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Chill

Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice.

Combine

In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the rye, vermouth, Angostura bitters, and optional orange bitters.

Stir

Stir well until the mixture is well chilled (about 30 seconds).

Strain

Discard the ice in your martini glass. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

How to Make a Healthy / Low-Calorie Manhattan

  • Go for a lower-proof rye whisky to slash some calories
  • Trim down the amount of sweet vermouth, or just switch to a low-sugar sweet vermouth for a lighter take.
  • Bitters are already a low-cal option, but a light version can lessen the guilt even more.
  • Those cute maraschino cherries carry extra sugar. Leave your Manhattan nude, or toss in a fresh orange slice.
  • Ideal for those abstaining from alcohol—the Manhattan Mocktail replaces the whisky with a non-alcoholic whisky alternative and the vermouth with minimized-sugar grape juice.

Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Manhattan

  • Chill your martini glass in advance. A cold glass ensures that your drink stays chilled for longer.
  • Manhattan is a stirred cocktail. Shaking introduces tiny bubbles into the drink.
  • The herb-infused Angostura bitters add complexity and counterbalance the sweetness of the other ingredients. I also like the optional orange bitters for its delicate citrusy note.
  • A Maraschino cherry not only looks fancy, its sweetness interacts nicely with the cocktail flavor.

FAQs

Delicious Manhattan Cocktail Variations

The Dry Manhattan: A spin that replaces sweet vermouth with dry vermouth, introducing a crisper, lighter palate.

The Brandy Manhattan: Swapping rye whisky for a well-rounded brandy gives this classic a rich, full-bodied twist.

The Rob Roy: A Scottish tribute to the Manhattan, swapping out the rye for Scotch.

The Sazerac: This New Orleans classic swaps rye/bourbon with cognac and adds muddled sugar cube with Peychaud’s bitters and absinthe.

how to prep and store a manhattan

Yes, a Manhattan can be made ahead of time. If you want to make it the signature cocktail at your next party, just batch-mix them and keep them in a sealed glass container or bottle in the fridge. They should stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. Want to save some for later? No prob. Ditch the ice first though to keep your Manhattan from being needlessly diluted.

This post was last modified on December 7, 2024 6:47 am