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Manhattan Recipe

Manhattan Recipe

By What’s Baking

A perfectly balanced symphony of rich whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters that exemplifies sophisticated simplicity with depth that unfolds sip after sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
3 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A Manhattan is presented in a vintage crystal coupe glass against a dark mahogany bar backdrop. Dramatic low lighting casts amber reflections through the deep ruby-colored cocktail, highlighting its silky texture and jewel-like clarity. A perfect sphere of clear ice slowly melts at the center, while a meticulously twisted cherry-soaked orange peel rests on the rim. Droplets of condensation form on the outside of the glass, suggesting the perfect temperature. The photograph captures the moment a bartender places the drink on a polished marble coaster, with copper mixing equipment slightly blurred in the background, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml rye whiskey (or bourbon)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml sweet vermouth</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 dashes Angostura bitters</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Maraschino cherry for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange twist for garnish (optional)</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing glass</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fine strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Coupe or martini glass</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Chill your coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice and cold water while you prepare the cocktail. A properly chilled glass is essential as it keeps your Manhattan at the perfect temperature longer. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Fill your mixing glass about ¾ full with fresh, large ice cubes. The quality and size of your ice matters significantly – larger cubes melt more slowly, providing better temperature control and proper dilution. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Pour 60ml of rye whiskey into the mixing glass. Rye provides spiciness that balances beautifully with the vermouth, but bourbon offers a sweeter, more rounded alternative if you prefer. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Add 30ml of sweet vermouth. The freshness of your vermouth is crucial – it's wine-based and should be refrigerated after opening and used within a month for optimal flavor. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters. These aromatic bitters provide the complex backbone that ties the entire cocktail together – don't skip them! </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Gently stir the mixture with your bar spoon for about 30 seconds (approximately 40-50 rotations). Stirring, rather than shaking, is critical for a Manhattan as it creates a silky-smooth texture while properly chilling and diluting the cocktail without introducing unwanted aeration or cloudiness. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Empty the ice water from your glass and strain the cocktail into it using a fine strainer to catch any ice chips. The cocktail should fill the glass nearly to the rim and appear clear with a rich amber-ruby color. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Garnish with a high-quality maraschino cherry placed gently in the bottom of the glass. For an elevated touch, add an expressed orange twist – squeeze it over the drink to release the oils, run it around the rim, and either discard or place alongside the cherry. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Serve immediately while the cocktail is perfectly chilled. A properly made Manhattan will have a velvety mouthfeel with just the right balance between the whiskey's strength, the vermouth's sweetness, and the bitters' complexity. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 425 calories
🥑 Fat: 28 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 16 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 38 g
🍭 Sugar: 31 g
🍗 Protein: 7 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 145 mg
🧂 Sodium: 280 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Is rye whiskey or bourbon better for a classic Manhattan?

Traditional Manhattans use rye whiskey for its spicy backbone that balances the sweet vermouth beautifully. Bourbon creates a sweeter, rounder cocktail that some prefer. Both are authentic options—rye for a more complex, slightly drier profile, bourbon for a smoother, slightly sweeter result.

Why is stirring rather than shaking important for this cocktail?

Stirring creates the silky-smooth texture essential to a perfect Manhattan. Shaking would introduce unwanted aeration and cloudiness, diminishing its jewel-like clarity. Proper stirring (40-50 rotations) achieves ideal temperature and dilution while maintaining the cocktail's elegant presentation.

How can I ensure my vermouth delivers the best flavour in whiskey cocktails?

Always refrigerate vermouth after opening and use within a month for optimal flavour. Sweet vermouth deteriorates quickly once opened, significantly affecting your cocktail's quality. Consider buying smaller bottles if you don't use it frequently, and always check for freshness before mixing.

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