Manhattan co*cktail Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a perfect Manhattan made of? ›

The Dry Manhattan used dry vermouth instead of sweet. The Medium Manhattan was the original Perfect Manhattan, made with four parts whiskey and one part each dry and sweet vermouth.

The general guideline is two parts whiskey to one part vermouth with two to three dashes of bitters. You can go up to three parts to one and add a couple more dashes, at your own risk, and no one will judge you ... too much.

For a classic Manhattan, we want to use “sweet” vermouth, which actually isn't all that sweet. Sweet vermouths are dark red or brown, not clear. My favorite options are Dolin and Carpano Antica. Dolin is the softer and smoother of the two, which is not to say that it's boring.

Ultimately, choosing either American Rye or Bourbon for your Manhattan is purely up to preference. Some believe that using a bourbon adds too much sweetness to their co*cktail, while others who choose bourbon use one similar to New Riff'sRiff's Kentucky Straight Bourbon as they are high in rye for flavor balance.

The perfect Manhattan is indeed a great co*cktail, though the name doesn't refer to its perfection. Instead, it adds dry vermouth to the classic Manhattan's trio of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

Aromatic bitters have long been the preferred accent for the Manhattan and it should be considered a required ingredient. Since we use just a few dashes at a time, it can be easy to forget their importance. However, they are the finishing touch that brings co*cktails like the Manhattan into perfect balance.

For a Classic Manhattan: Angostura Aromatic Bitters

One of the oldest bitters in production, Angostura has been produced on the island of Trinidad since 1824. While the recipe remains a secret—it's speculated that it contains more than 40 different herbs and botanicals—its iconic flavor is easily identifiable.

When in doubt, know that a dash of bitters measures to be approximately 1/8 of a teaspoon and that you should start small. You can always add more as needed. A couple dashes of bitters go a long way.

A: A Manhattan is typically a stronger and more boozy-tasting drink than an Old Fashioned due to the addition of vermouth and the absence of sugar.

What is the best liquor for a Manhattan? ›

Rye whiskey will contribute the spirit's spicier and more peppery notes to the co*cktail, while bourbon will typically be a touch sweeter. As the sweet vermouth already adds richness and a rounder flavor profile to the co*cktail, drier rye whiskey is often preferred to act as a counterweight.

If instead you're craving a Manhattan and out of sweet vermouth, use Port or sweet Madeira. We've also used a sweet wine like Manischewitz, so if you happen to have that lying around, it can work too. Don't Miss A Drop Get the latest in beer, wine, and co*cktail culture sent straight to your inbox.

A subcategory of the Manhattan is the Perfect Manhattan—that is, 2 parts whiskey, 1 part equally divided sweet and dry vermouth, and bitters.

How Long Do Bitters Last? While we hate to see a bottle of bitters collecting dust on your home bar they do last indefinitely. They are bottled at about 70 proof or 35% alcohol, so they are perfectly preserved. However, it is possible that the flavor will change over time.

Quick tip: If your Manhattan is too strong for your liking, you can make the co*cktail more approachable in one of three ways, says Wibbels: 1. Ask for a lower-proof whiskey. Bourbon and rye vary in their proof — they can go as low as 80 proof and still be considered a bourbon or rye.

The Manhattan has managed to remain one of the most popular co*cktails in the world for well over a century. A combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a maraschino cherry garnish, this drink embodies the classic, spirit-forward, and aromatic school of co*cktails.

Rum, Lime, Sugar.

The term “perfect” means a drink made with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth—and is particularly, dare we say, perfect when applied to a Manhattan. The perfect Manhattan can be traced back to pre-Prohibition times, when drinks were crafted according to three distinct profiles: sweet, medium and dry.

Manhattan, borough of New York City, coextensive with New York county, in southeastern New York state, U.S. The borough, mainly on Manhattan Island, spills over into the Marble Hill section on the mainland and includes a number of islets in the East River.