For The Whiskey: Rye Vs Bourbon
The traditional way to make a Manhattan cocktail recipe is with rye whiskey. Rye whiskey has a spicier flavor than bourbon, which is sweeter. Personally we like the sweeter flavor of bourbon here, which makes a smoother, more balanced Manhattan. Feel free to use whatever suits your tastes! Some bourbon options we recommend are Elijah Craig Small Batch or Woodford Reserve. Use a locally distilled option if you have one .
Typically we prefer the taste of bourbon whiskey to rye in cocktails, but it depends on the drink! We use bourbon in our Whiskey Sour and Old Fashioned recipes. Love Scotch? Make a Manhattan with Scotch whisky: its called a Rob Roy! See below for more Manhattan variations.
How To Make A Classic Manhattan
This classic Manhattan cocktail is classic for a reason! Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth plus a secret ingredient that gives a little twist on the original drink!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase the items I recommend through the links I provide, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more info, please see my disclosure policy. Thanks for supporting Fox and Briar!
I only get sick about once a year, but when I do I am OUT. When I first started getting sick and I realized I wouldnt be able to do my normal blogging work , I thought I would still be able to use my time to be productive. You know, organize my , read some educational articles, the types of things that are usually on my to do list, but towards the bottom. Do you know what I actually did in my week of sick time?
1. Lay on the couch.
2. Watch Netflix
4. Finish Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
5. Resort to watching old episodes of Angel because I ran out of TV shows.
So turns out I was not able to be productive during my sick leave. But luckily Mr. Briar and I are finally on the mend, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic Manhattan cocktail?
The Stiff Smooth Union Of Whiskey And Vermouth Is A Classic Of The Cocktail Canon
Up there with the Old Fashioned and the as an undisputed classic, a Manhattan is a bold, brawny drink that, made right, is smooth and sippable. Rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters are all you need, though garnishing with a high-quality cherry doesn’t hurt.
Recipe Facts
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Garnish: 2Maraschino cherries
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Classic Cocktails Are Always In Style And The Manhattan Is One Of The Most Popular
With a mix of 3 simple ingredients and some creativity, you’re bound to create a delicious cocktail that is sure to impress.
In this blog post, we’re going to break down the Manhattan recipe for you. Understanding how to make a Manhattan will provide a solid base for you to create all sorts of other drinks by simply switching out a few key ingredients here and there. You’ll have the power to be creative and come up with new drinks on the fly. Be the life of any party and show off your cocktailing skills!
Angostura Bitters Add Complexity
Angostura bitters are popularly used in cocktails to add a complex and bitter undertone. Grab a bottle and shake a dash or two into a drink, and it goes from one-note to extraordinarily complex with just a few drops. Thats because bitters are made with many herbs and spices, which add intrigue because the flavors are not easily recognizable.
Angostura bitters are one of the most popular in drinks and easy to find. They get the name from their manufacturer: the House of Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago.More classic cocktails that use Angostura bitters? The Old Fashioned, Toronto, Trinidad Sour and Champagne Cocktail.
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How To Make The Perfect Manhattan
T: Incredible. Actually, before we move on, can you tell us your grandfathers recipe? I feel like it would be a shame not to hear that.
A: He liked it with bourbon. He liked it sweet. He had a sweet tooth, and he wasnt a big drinker. It was a real treat for him to have a drink. He would like to savor it. He actually enjoyed his Manhattan on the rocks, 50/50 sweet vermouth and bourbon, with extra bitters and extra cherries.
T: Wow. That sounds very refreshing. It sounds bold, but it sounds very refreshing as well.
A: You know, I dont hate it. Its not my favorite, but for nostalgic reasons, sometimes I get a craving for it just like that. Its really easy to make at home.
T: That also taps into drinks being so much more than just what they taste like. Its their back story. Its what it means to you personally.
A: Absolutely. Ive become such a lover of fortified wine, too. Having good, sweet vermouth, the temptation is there, of course. Just like many bartenders love to do 50/50 Martinis, I think 50/50 Manhattans are delicious. They have their moment, and then I can have more of them, too, which, of course, is very important.
T: Thats always very helpful. So, tell us about your preference when it comes to this cocktail. Clearly, this is a drink that you have studied and enjoyed over many years. Where do you land in terms of the ratio of different ingredients?
T: Absolutely. That is allowed.
A: Thank you. And, of course, I like it with rye whiskey.
A: Absolutely.
Variations On The Classic
“When you order a Manhattan, there are two things you want to communicate when you order, the base whiskey of the cocktail and if you want it up or on the rocks,” says Wibbels. “I always ask what brand of whiskey they use for their Manhattans, and what kind of sweet vermouth. If you prefer rye and they mention bourbon, ask them if they have a standard rye they use for their Manhattans.”
If you want to try something a little different than the classic, consider ordering one of these popular variations, which all have the same garnish of an orange peel and cherry:
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Make The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail At Home
Fall is my favourite time of year, mainly because its chilly enough to enjoy a delicious whisky-based cocktail. Ive finally come around to enjoying the Manhattan cocktail. It took time,just like my enjoyment of whisky, but now I like the taste. And recently, Ive experimented on how to make the perfect Manhattan drink at home.
My husband and I enjoy a drink once a week on the weekends. After our son has gone to sleep, we enjoy some us time over a cocktail. I take out the bar tools, my bitters, whisky or gin and whip up a drink for the two of us.
The Manhattan cocktail is one that I like as its not only a classic, but also very simple to make. For those who arent straight whisky fans, the best way to enjoy this type of liquor is in a drink. Why not enjoy it in something sophisticated and delicious?
Top The Manhattan With A Cherrya Luxardo Cherry
The garnish is an important part of any cocktail, especially classic cocktails! Its not the real thing without the garnish, right? The garnish for a Manhattan cocktail is a Luxardo cherry.
Luxardo cherries are a cocktail cherry, but theyre so dark red they almost look black. They dont taste anything like a Maraschino: the flavor is complex, fruity, and nutty, almost like amaretto. Where to find Luxardo cherries? Its easiest to get them online.
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Why Is It Called A Manhattan
The two commonly accepted theories are that the creator was a bartender named Black at a bar on Broadway, which was also near Houston Street OR that it was invented at the Manhattan Club in the 1870’s. Basically, no one knows for sure but what is known is that the main reason it became popular to make it with Canadian Rye Whisky is that during the Prohibition years Canadian whisky was available more than any other whiskey at the time. The close proximity to the Canadian border helped with smuggling rye over, I am sure!
What Is The Difference Between And Old Fashioned And A Manhattan
This is the most significant distinction between them, and it makes a world of difference! The Manhattan is made with Sweet Vermouth, whereas the Old Fashioned is made with simple sugar. Sweet Vermouth is a sort of fortified wine that has been aromatized. In laymans terms, its wine that has had alcohol added to it as well as additional flavors infused into it.
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How Strong Is The Perfect Manhattan
All Manhattan cocktails are strong drinks because they’re made entirely of alcohol. If you choose a high-proof whiskey, this drink’s alcohol content will fall in the 39 percent ABV range. With an 80-proof whiskey, it’s still a hefty 33 percent ABV . It’s a good one-off drink before switching to something lighter.
A Cocktail Cherry For Garnish
If youre serious about your Manhattans, go ahead and splurge on great cherries. I love Luxardo cherries. Theyre far superior to other maraschino cherries and last a long time. Readers have pointed out that these cherries are best stored in a dark, cool cupboard rather than the refrigerator, where they tend to crystallize. You can find Luxardo cherries at well-stocked liquor stores and .
Tip: If you want your Manhattan to be on the sweeter side, add a tiny bit of the sweetened cherry liquid from the jar to your mixing glass.
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Recipe For Manhattan Cocktail
Ah, the Manhattan. A heavyweight cocktail that has stood the test of time. Named after the New York City borough, the Manhattan cocktail is a spirit-forward recipe calling for Whiskey, vermouth and bitters.
One of the earliest records of the drink traces it back to 1884 in a cocktail book written by O.H. Byrons titled The Modern Bartenders Guide. Yet some variations of been documented as far back as 1860. Alongside the Martini cocktail, it has paved the way for numerous other classic and contemporary cocktail recipes.
One particular recipe at the time described it as three or four drops of angostura bitters, ditto of plain syrup add half a liqueur glass of vermouth, a half wineglassful of Scotch whiskey.
Some popular history would suggest it was created for Lady Randolph Churchill, Mother of Winston, at the Manhattan Club in New York however this story has been debunked due to the fact Lady Randolph was in France and pregnant at the time.
Similar to the Manhattan Cocktail is the Old Fashioned cocktail recipe and both have been the blueprint for countless new drinks and creations.
What Does A Manhattan Taste Like
Whiskey and vermouth are like the peanut butter and jelly of the cocktail world: Alone they are quite nice, but together they create something greater than the sum of their parts.
If you’ve ever stuck your head in a spice cabinet and smelled all the different flavors intermingling, a Manhattan is a bit like that, but with whiskey. A proper Manhattan should bring out the warmth and spice of the whiskey without competing with or obscuring it.
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How To Make The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
This whisky based cocktail only compromises of a few ingredients, but get it wrong and it won’t taste very good. Here’s how to make the perfect one…
Originating from New York City , the Manhattan cocktail is a whisky based cocktail that compromises of only a few ingredients. The perfect Manhattan is stirred well with ice, and served in a cold Martini glass. So we asked the expert mixologists at Hackney-based restaurant Oslo how to make the perfect one…
sweet vermouth, like Martini Rosso
dry vermouth, like Martini Extra Dry
Orange zest twist, to garnish
What You Need To Make A Manhattan
Now lets take a look at everything you need to make a Manhattan and our recommendations.
First up, Rye Whiskey.
Rye Whiskey
If youre not exactly sure what the difference is between Rye Whiskey and regular Whiskey, let me break it down for ya.
Rye Whiskey is a Whiskey that, by law, must be distilled by at least 51 percent Rye grain.
Okay coolso which Rye Whiskey should I use for to make a Manhattan?
Lets take a look at some great options.
Sazerac Straight Rye Whisky
Sazerac Straight is a great Rye Whiskey, but its on the expensive side. You can pick up a and I havent been able to find it anywhere cheaper.
But I think this is a case of “you get what you pay for” that regular Whiskey drinkers will tell you is dead-on right.
On Amazon, Sazerac Straight as a rating of 4.7 out of 5 with 28 reviews, which is pretty decent.
One reviewer said:
“I bought this rye as it was on a deal and I wasnt disappointed! This is now one of my favourite ryes to use in cocktails. Great balance of flavour and value for money. Personally, I believe it makes an amazing old fashioned.“
Knob Creek Straight
Knob Creek Straight is another great Rye Whiskey to consider. Its a little more expensive than Sazerac Straight at and thats for 70cl bottle rather than a 75cl bottle.
However, despite a lot people really liking Knob Creek I dont think its a great fit for cocktails.
One reviewer said:
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Helpful Tips For Making A Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
As mentioned earlier, the quality of the ingredients should be the priority when making this drink. If possible, splurge for the top shelf whisky. The whole point of this cocktail is to enjoy it slowly, and savor the different notes in taste.
When creating this drink, remember it is best to stir the ingredients instead of shaking it over your shoulder. The flavors will not change if you choose to shake it, but it will negatively impact the appearance of the beverage. Shaking will result in a cloudy pour, when the drink is meant to be colored but transparent.
Ice is not included in the actual cocktail. Instead, the ice is used during the stirring process. Be sure to use a strainer when pouring your drink to prevent any chunks of ice from landing in your glass.
Similar to the martini, this beverage is meant to be served in a glass that has a wide and shallow top. This vessel shape will ensure the components remain evenly mixed. The wide surface area will also facilitate greater aeration of the ingredients, and the aromatic properties can truly have their chance to shine.
Another important note is that the glass being used to serve the Manhattan should include a long stem. This is to prevent your hand from holding onto the vessel, and accidentally over-warming the drink.
What Is A ‘perfect Manhattan’
For me, the predominant flavor in a classic Manhattan is something almost like cinnamonrich, warm, slightly sweetbut you may prefer a different taste!
If you prefer something a little lighter , I recommend the so-called ‘Perfect Manhattan,’ which is made from equal parts sweet and dry vermouth. The botanicals in the dry vermouth make the drink taste a bit more delicate.
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What Is The Diff Between Bourbon And Whiskey
Whiskey is a distilled liquor created from cereals such as maize and rye that is matured in oak barrels before being bottled. Bourbon is a sort of whiskey, and tight guidelines are in place to guarantee that it is of high quality. Bourbon must be produced in the United States, be distilled from at least 51 percent maize, and be matured in new oak barrels that have been burned.
How To Make The Best Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan is so easy to make. Heres how to do it:
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Classic Whiskey Manhattan Recipe With Variations
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
| Potassium 65mg | 1% |
| *The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
One of the finest and oldest cocktails, the Manhattan is truly a classic cocktail. It is a simple drink recipe of just a few ingredients: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. You can choose between rye whiskey and bourbon, though some drinkers still prefer a smooth Canadian whisky. There is no doubt, however, that this is one of the essential whiskey cocktails that everyone should know.
The Manhattan is whiskey-forward, with the vermouth adding smooth, spiced sweetness and the bitters adding a little punch. As with the gin martini, there are many ways that you can adapt this classic recipe to your personal taste. It has also inspired countless variations, but before you give those a taste, it’s best to start off with the original.
No matter how you mix up your Manhattan, you will find that it’s an ideal drink for any occasion. It is perfect for a dinner party and pairs nicely with a great variety of foods. It’s also a fantastic drink for a casual night with friends.