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Written ByDorothy Kern
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Treat yourself to a Manhattan Drink for your next happy hour! This classic co*cktail recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients. It’s a combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters – learn how to make it and what makes it special!
Table of Contents
- What is a Manhattan drink recipe?
- Manhattan co*cktail Ingredients
- How to make a Manhattan drink:
- Manhattan Variations
- FAQ
- Manhattan co*cktail Recipe Recipe
What is a Manhattan drink recipe?
It’s adult beverage time, and what better drink to make than a classic Manhattan co*cktail recipe? Named for where it was created at New York City’s Manhattan Club. This classic drink is said to have been invented for Winston Churchill’s mother, Lady Randolph Churchill – and now you can make it at home!
This classic co*cktail has been around since the late 1800s and is still a popular drink today. It’s a combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and angostura bitters. It’s usually served in a martini glass or low-ball glass.
A Manhattan has just 3 ingredients plus a garnish and you can make the traditional recipe with rye whiskey or substitute Canadian whiskey or bourbon. It’s such a simple co*cktail recipe!
Manhattan co*cktail Ingredients
As always, use your favorite brands for liquor, but the more top shelf it is the better your drink will taste.
- Rye Whiskey – Rye whiskey is less sweet, compared to bourbon. You can use either one for this co*cktail. Test out combinations with each whiskey and type of vermouth until you have a sweet and dry combo you like best.
- Sweet Vermouth – Vermouth is a fortified wine that comes in two types: dry and sweet. I prefer using 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth in this drink.
- Bitters – Bitters are a botanical used to add flavor to co*cktails. I use regular bitters for this drink, but you can even use a flavored one if you want.
- Cherry garnish – a jar of Luxardo cherries are the most common used. They’re marasca cherries that are candied and steeped in a syrup, and they can be expensive. You can use a slice of orange peel if you don’t have them.
How to make a Manhattan drink:
- Place the ice in a mixing glass and add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Strain the drink into a low-ball glass or martini glass (just make sure it’s a chilled co*cktail glass!)
- Garnish it with a cherry and serve. It’s the perfect Manhattan co*cktail!
Manhattan Variations
- Bourbon Manhattan – This is this classic recipe made with bourbon.
- Dry Manhattan – Use dry vermouth in place of sweet.
- Rob Roy – This classic manhattan drink made with scotch in place of the whiskey.
- Brandy Manhattan – Also called a Metropolitan, this uses brandy in place of the whiskey.
- You can also swap Southern Comfort for the Whiskey.
This is just a few of the variations – there are too many to list!
FAQ
What’s in a Manhattan drink vs old-fashioned?
They are very similar. Both are made with whiskey and bitters, but a Manhattan has sweet vermouth while an old-fashioned is made with sugar.
Is a Manhattan a strong drink?
It is a strong drink – a little goes a long way!
Why is the drink called a Manhattan?
No one knows for sure, but most think that it was created for a party held at the Manhattan Club in New York City. This was way back in the late 1800s! But, it’s not absolutely clear that this is the truth – some think it was a drink created at a bar in NYC and then got the name Manhattan. However it came to be, it’s a classic and continues to be a popular co*cktail.
Manhattan co*cktail Recipe
5 from 1 vote
A Manhattan is a classic co*cktail that’s super easy to make with just a few ingredients plus garnish!
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 5 minutes minutes
Yield 1 serving
Serving Size 1 serving
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces Rye Whiskey
- ¾ ounce sweet vermouth
- Dash Angostura bitters
- Luxardo Cherry garnish
Instructions
Place ice into a mixing glass. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, gently stir to combine.
Strain into glass. Garnish with a cherry and serve.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- This is the classic recipe, not an original.
- Typically Rye whiskey is used but Canadian whisky, bourbon, and blended Whiskey can be used in its place.
- Some garnish with orange peel or a modern maraschino cherry. Luxardo cherries are the original maraschino cherry before the bright red ones began being used.
Recipe Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 1g | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Author Dorothy Kern
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You can’t go wrong with this Manhattan drink recipe if you want an easy co*cktail. Pick up the ingredients and treat yourself to one soon!
Last Updated on January 30, 2024
Dorothy Kern
Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.
