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Perfect Manhattan - Rye or Bourbon Recipe

Perfect Manhattan - Rye or Bourbon Recipe

Master how to make the best homemade Perfect Manhattan with either rye or bourbon whiskey. This easy cocktail recipe balances sweet and dry vermouth for a sophisticated classic that's perfect for entertaining. Learn the bartender technique for this elegant craft cocktail that never goes out of style.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal-clear rocks glass showcases a deep amber Manhattan, with light catching its edges to reveal rich ruby tints. The cocktail sits atop a single large ice sphere, with a thin ribbon of expressed orange peel and a bourbon-soaked cherry resting at the bottom. Background features a moody bar setting with bottles of rye, bourbon, and vermouths slightly blurred, while dramatic side lighting accentuates the silky texture and glossy surface of the drink. Condensation beads on the exterior of the glass suggest perfect temperature, with copper bar tools subtly positioned nearby.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml rye whiskey or bourbon (your preference)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml sweet vermouth</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml dry vermouth</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 dashes Angostura bitters</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 dash orange bitters (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 maraschino cherry for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange peel for garnish</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
🔥 Calories:
🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
🍞 Carbohydrates:
🍭 Sugar:
🍗 Protein:
🫀 Cholesterol:
🧂 Sodium:

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 for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Julep strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rocks glass or cocktail coupe</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Chill your rocks glass or coupe by filling it with ice and water while you prepare the cocktail. A properly chilled glass will keep your Manhattan at the ideal temperature longer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Fill your mixing glass about ¾ full with fresh, clean ice. Using larger cubes is preferable as they melt more slowly, providing optimal dilution without watering down your cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour 60ml of your chosen whiskey (rye will give a spicier profile while bourbon offers more sweetness and caramel notes), 15ml sweet vermouth, and 15ml dry vermouth into the mixing glass.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 dash of orange bitters if using. Bitters act as the seasoning for your cocktail, binding the flavors together while adding aromatic complexity.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds (approximately 40-50 rotations). You're aiming to simultaneously chill and dilute the drink while combining the ingredients. Proper stirring creates silky texture without the aeration that shaking would introduce.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Empty the ice and water from your glass, then strain the cocktail into it using a julep strainer. A smooth, controlled pour helps prevent unwanted ice chips.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Express the oils from an orange peel over the surface of the drink by firmly twisting it skin-side down above the glass. This adds a subtle citrus aroma that complements the whiskey beautifully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Garnish with the expressed orange peel and a quality maraschino cherry (Luxardo or Amarena cherries are excellent choices). The cherry should sink to the bottom, creating a treat for the end of your drink.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Serve immediately while the drink is perfectly chilled. The Perfect Manhattan is best enjoyed slowly, allowing the flavors to develop as the drink gradually warms slightly in the glass.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Perfect Manhattan - Rye or Bourbon Recipe?

A Perfect Manhattan requires 60ml rye whiskey or bourbon, 15ml sweet vermouth, 15ml dry vermouth, Angostura and optional orange bitters, plus garnishes of maraschino cherry and orange peel. The balanced mix of sweet and dry vermouth distinguishes it from a classic Manhattan.

How to make Perfect Manhattan - Rye or Bourbon Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Perfect Manhattan - Rye or Bourbon Recipe by chilling a glass whilst filling a mixing glass with ice. Add 60ml whiskey, 15ml each of sweet and dry vermouth, and a couple of dashes of bitters. Stir for about 30 seconds, strain into your chilled glass, express orange oils over the surface and garnish with orange peel and cherry.

What's the difference between a Perfect Manhattan and a regular Manhattan cocktail?

A Perfect Manhattan splits the vermouth portion equally between sweet and dry vermouth (15ml of each), whereas a regular Manhattan uses only sweet vermouth (typically 30ml). This balance creates a more complex flavour profile with less sweetness and additional herbal notes.

Is it better to use rye or bourbon whiskey in this cocktail?

Both work brilliantly but deliver different experiences. Rye provides spicier, drier notes with peppery undertones, creating a more traditional, complex cocktail. Bourbon offers sweeter caramel and vanilla notes for a smoother, slightly more approachable drink. Choose based on personal preference.

Why is stirring rather than shaking recommended for a Manhattan?

Stirring creates the silky, velvety texture that defines a quality Manhattan. It provides proper dilution and temperature without introducing unwanted aeration or cloudiness that shaking would cause. Since a Manhattan contains only spirits, the gentle mixing preserves the drink's clarity and character.

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My home bar game has leveled up!", "name": "Better Than Professional", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Emilie Beaumont", "datePublished": "2024-06-01", "reviewBody": "Such a straightforward recipe that produces truly impressive results. I used rye whiskey as suggested and the spice notes were magnificent against the vermouths. The chilled glass technique is a game-changer!", "name": "Simple Yet Sophisticated", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Magnus Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-06-05", "reviewBody": "The velvety texture achieved through proper stirring is remarkable. I appreciate the detailed instructions on the proper dilution technique. The bitterness level is perfect - not overwhelming but definitely present. My new favorite nightcap!", "name": "Perfect Texture", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Elena Vasquez", "datePublished": "2024-06-08", "reviewBody": "I was always intimidated by classic cocktails but this recipe made it approachable. The step about expressing the orange peel made such a difference in the aroma. Everyone at my dinner party was impressed when I served these!", "name": "Impressed My Guests", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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