Manhattan
The quintessential American cocktail combining rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Rich, sophisticated, and iconic.
Ingredients
- Rye whiskey 2 oz
- Sweet vermouth 1 oz
- Angostura bitters 2 dashes
Instructions
- 1 Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
- 2 Stir for 30 seconds until well chilled
- 3 Strain into a chilled coupe glass
- 4 Garnish with a cherry
Coupe glass
stir
1
Cherry
The Manhattan is one of the most iconic cocktails in American history, representing the perfect balance of spirit, vermouth, and bitters. It’s a cornerstone of classic cocktail culture.
History
Created in the 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City, this cocktail helped establish the template for countless other drinks. It’s a perfect example of the “spirit + vermouth + bitters” formula that defines classic cocktails.
The Perfect Manhattan
The traditional recipe calls for rye whiskey, but bourbon works beautifully too. The key is using high-quality ingredients and proper stirring technique to achieve the perfect dilution and temperature.
Tips for Success
- Use a high-proof rye whiskey for the best results
- Sweet vermouth should be fresh and of good quality
- Stir for exactly 30 seconds for proper dilution
- Serve in a chilled coupe glass for the most elegant presentation
Variations
- Perfect Manhattan: Use equal parts sweet and dry vermouth
- Dry Manhattan: Use dry vermouth instead of sweet
- Rob Roy: Use Scotch whisky instead of rye
Tags
Source: Classic cocktail