The perfect classic Manhattan co*cktail recipe! (2024)

Sip on the ultimate in sophistication with our Manhattan co*cktail recipe, a classic co*cktail that never goes out of style. Made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this drink is perfect for any occasion!

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We love co*cktails like a good dirty martini, a whiskey sour, or Long Island iced tea.

But we were in the mood for more classic co*cktails and so we got to work on the most fabulous Manhattan co*cktail, which we know you’ll love!

Why you’ll love this easy Manhattan recipe

• It’s a stylish co*cktail made with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen!

• If you love whiskey drinks, then this is perfect for you!

• The Manhattan classic co*cktail is a real crowd pleaser, men and women alike love it.

• A great co*cktail to make ahead and perfect for a party and sipping on a hot summer’s day.

• All the ingredients are 100% vegetarian.

What ingredients do I need?

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

The perfect Manhattan co*cktail is easier to make than you think, and it looks so stylish with a delicious cherry garnish – you need this at your next party!

How to make a Manhattan co*cktail with step by step instructions

Making our Manhattan co*cktail recipe is easy if you follow our simple instructions.

A full printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Add a handful of ice cubes to a co*cktail mixing glass, then add rye whiskey, Italian vermouth, and bitters.

Stir for 30 seconds and then strain into a chilled co*cktail glass, garnish with co*cktail cherry or a lemon twist.

Serve and enjoy your Manhattan co*cktail – cheers!

We hope you enjoy making and drinking our classic Manhattan co*cktail recipe and would love to hear how you got on with making it.

Please leave a comment below and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Recipe notes and expert tips

• Chill
  Chill your glass before you use it and your co*cktail will stay cooler longer.

• Cherry juice
  Adding a splash of cherry juice will give your co*cktail a stunning dark color.

• Make ahead
  Make your Manhattan ahead of time, simply mix it, strain it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

• Maraschino cherries
  We absolutely LOVE Luxardo cherries, but if you don’t have them, use co*cktail cherries.

What type of co*cktail is a Manhattan?

There are many co*cktails that are considered classics, but the Manhattan may just be the king of them all.

A Manhattan is a type of co*cktail that is made with whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.

We use a co*cktail mixing glass and stir, but some use a co*cktail shaker and shake to create a froth.

The drink is usually served in a glass that has been chilled and it is garnished with a maraschino cherry.

There are many different recipes for Manhattans, but the most popular version is made with rye whiskey, which is the whiskey we have used.

What is the difference between a Manhattan and an old fashioned?

When you are ordering a classic co*cktail, one of the most common decisions to make is between a Manhattan and an old fashioned.

But what’s the difference between the two?

A classic Manhattan is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

An old fashioned is made with bourbon, sugar, water, and bitters.

The main difference is that Manhattans are stirred with ice and then strained into a glass, while old fashioneds are muddled with sugar and ice and then strained into a glass.

Another difference is that Manhattans typically have a cherry or orange slice as a garnish, while old fashioneds typically have a lemon or orange slice as a garnish.

Is a Manhattan a martini?

When most people think of a martini, they think of a drink made with gin and dry vermouth.

But there are many variations on the martini, including the Manhattan.

A Manhattan is made with whiskey instead of gin, and it’s often served with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters.

So, is a Manhattan a martini?

The answer is yes, and no.

The classic martini is made with gin, whereas the Manhattan uses whiskey.

However, both drinks are typically served with dry vermouth and are garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.

So, while there may be some debate over whether or not a Manhattan is a true martini, the two drinks share many similarities.

And they’re both delicious co*cktails that are perfect for enjoying on a warm summer evening or at a holiday party.

Angostura bitters add complexity

Angostura orange bitters add complexity to co*cktails such as the Manhattan.

The orange and spice flavors of the bitters balance the sweetness of the sweet vermouth and whiskey rye, creating a well-rounded drink.

Without angostura, Manhattans would be much simpler and far less interesting!

Top Manhattan with a cherry… a Luxardo cherry!

Luxardo cherries, a type of Marasca cherry, are named after the distillery in Italy where they are made.

The Luxardo company has been making these cherries since 1821. They are Luxardo’s most popular product.

The cherries are soaked in alcohol and then allowed to soak in Luxardo’s Maraschino liqueur.

This gives them their delicious and unique flavor.

The liqueur is made from sour Marasca cherries, sugar, and other natural flavors.

Manhattan co*cktail variations

The Manhattan is one of those classic co*cktails that has many variations, all with their own unique flavor profiles.

A popular variation is the Rob Roy, which uses scotch whiskey in place of rye whisky.

There are also several different types of Manhattans that use bourbon whiskey instead of rye whisky, such as the Kentucky Colonel and the Southern Gentleman.

Using bourbon will give you a sweeter Manhattan.

What glass do you serve a Manhattan co*cktail in?

Ask different bartenders and you’ll get different answers.

We’ve used a coupe glass because that’s what we prefer, but you could also use a martini glass, or an old fashioned glass.

We say use whatever glass you prefer!

More easy co*cktails for you to try

If you love our perfect Manhattan co*cktail, then you should take a look at these!

• Tequila old fashioned

• Vodka martini

• Paloma co*cktail

• Aviator co*cktail

• Classic Margarita

Did you make this recipe?

We love hearing how you went with ours recipes! Tag us on Instagram at @splash_of_taste_uk

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