The Manhattan cocktail is a timeless classic that exudes sophistication and elegance. Perfect for a nightcap or a special occasion, this drink combines the robust flavors of rye whiskey with the sweetness of vermouth, all balanced by a touch of bitters. A maraschino cherry garnish adds a delightful finishing touch.
While most of the ingredients for a Manhattan cocktail are commonly found in a well-stocked home bar, you might need to visit a supermarket or a liquor store for sweet vermouth and angostura bitters. These ingredients are essential for achieving the cocktail's signature flavor profile.

Ingredients For Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Rye whiskey: A type of whiskey with a spicy and robust flavor, essential for the classic Manhattan taste.
Sweet vermouth: A fortified wine that adds a sweet and herbal complexity to the cocktail.
Angostura bitters: A concentrated bitters made from herbs and spices, providing a balanced bitterness.
Maraschino cherry: A sweet cherry used for garnish, adding a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness.
Technique Tip for This Cocktail
When preparing a Manhattan cocktail, ensure that you use a mixing glass rather than shaking the ingredients. Stirring the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice helps to properly chill and dilute the drink without over-aerating it, preserving the smooth texture and balanced flavors.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
rye whiskey - Substitute with bourbon: Bourbon provides a slightly sweeter and smoother profile compared to rye whiskey, which can add a different but enjoyable twist to the Manhattan.
rye whiskey - Substitute with Canadian whisky: Canadian whisky often has a lighter and smoother taste, which can make for a more mellow Manhattan.
sweet vermouth - Substitute with dry vermouth: Using dry vermouth will make the cocktail less sweet and more aromatic, creating a different but interesting flavor profile.
sweet vermouth - Substitute with amaro: Amaro, an Italian herbal liqueur, can add a complex, bittersweet flavor that complements the whiskey well.
angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters provide a citrusy note that can brighten up the cocktail and add a different layer of complexity.
angostura bitters - Substitute with Peychaud's bitters: Peychaud's bitters have a more floral and anise-forward flavor, which can add a unique twist to the Manhattan.
maraschino cherry - Substitute with brandied cherry: Brandied cherries offer a richer, more complex flavor compared to maraschino cherries, enhancing the overall taste of the cocktail.
maraschino cherry - Substitute with lemon twist: A lemon twist can add a refreshing citrus aroma and a slight tang, providing a different but delightful garnish option.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cocktail
How To Store / Freeze This Cocktail
- To store your Manhattan cocktail, transfer it to a clean, airtight container. A glass bottle with a tight seal works best to maintain the integrity of the flavors.
- Keep the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within a few days. This will keep the cocktail fresh and ready to serve.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the cocktail. Pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to enjoy a perfectly chilled Manhattan whenever you desire.
- When you're ready to serve, simply place the frozen cocktail cubes in a mixing glass and stir until they melt and chill the drink.
- Always garnish with a fresh maraschino cherry just before serving to ensure the best presentation and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the Manhattan cocktail into a heat-resistant glass or container.
- Place the container in a bowl of warm water, ensuring the water level is below the rim of the container to avoid dilution.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, gently swirling the container occasionally to evenly distribute the heat.
- Alternatively, use a sous-vide machine set to a low temperature (around 120°F) and submerge the sealed container of the cocktail for a precise and gentle reheating.
- Avoid using a microwave as it can alter the flavors and potentially ruin the delicate balance of the rye whiskey and sweet vermouth.
- Once warmed to your liking, pour the cocktail into a chilled glass and garnish with a fresh maraschino cherry.
Essential Tools for Crafting This Cocktail
Mixing glass: A vessel used to combine the ingredients with ice, ensuring they are well-mixed and chilled.
Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring the cocktail in the mixing glass to achieve the right dilution and temperature.
Jigger: A measuring tool used to accurately measure the rye whiskey and sweet vermouth.
Strainer: A device placed over the mixing glass to hold back the ice while pouring the cocktail into the serving glass.
Cocktail glass: A chilled glass used to serve the Manhattan cocktail, enhancing its presentation and keeping it cold.
Ice: Essential for chilling the ingredients and diluting the cocktail to the perfect balance.
Maraschino cherry: A garnish that adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to the finished cocktail.
How to Save Time on Making This Cocktail
Batch your ingredients: Measure out the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters in advance to save time when mixing.
Use a jigger: A jigger helps you quickly and accurately measure your liquor.
Pre-chill your glass: Keep your cocktail glass in the freezer so it's ready to go when you need it.
Quick stir method: Stir your cocktail with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to ensure it's well-chilled.
Easy garnish: Keep maraschino cherries in a convenient spot for quick access.

Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye whiskey
- 1 oz Sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- 2. Stir well until chilled.
- 3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- 4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Nutritional Value
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