manhattan cocktail recipe
The Best manhattan cocktail recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. It’s easy to make in big batches for a gathering, but you can also whip up a single drink for yourself when you’re winding down after work. My husband and I have made it for holidays and casual weekends, and my kids swear by it for date nights—though they’ll never admit it, of course. Beyond the taste, there’s something about the way the ingredients work together that feels nourishing, even if it’s just a drink. Bourbon has antioxidants, sweet vermouth adds a touch of natural sweetness without refined sugar, and the bitters give it that little kick that makes it more than just a sweet cocktail. It’s a recipe that feels like a little indulgence but also like a little treat for your body, something that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy or sluggish afterward. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce people to spirits they might not have tried before—bourbon isn’t just for whiskey lovers, and this drink makes it feel approachable.
Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
A classic cocktail with a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet profile, perfect for sipping over an ice cube. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 dash cinnamon bitters (optional)
- 1 dash orange peel (for garnish)
- Ice cube
- Orange twist (for garnish)
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a shaker, combine bourbon, sweet vermouth, Campari, Angostura bitters, orange bitters, and cinnamon bitters (if using). -
2
Add ice to the shaker and shake well for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled. -
3
Strain the mixture into a chilled old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube. -
4
Garnish with an orange twist, pressing lightly to release oils.
🔧Equipment
- Shaker (or mixing glass)
- Stirring spoon
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Bar spoon
- Chilled glass (old-fashioned or rocks glass)
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with a non-alcoholic spirit like ginger beer or a sparkling apple cider.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sweet vermouth to taste.
- Use high-quality bitters for the best flavor profile.
Watch Video Of How Manhattan Cocktail Recipe Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Manhattan Cocktail
What is the Manhattan cocktail made of?
The classic Manhattan cocktail is traditionally made with 75–100 milliliters (2.5–3.5 US fl oz) of whiskey (typically bourbon or rye), 15–20 milliliters (0.5–0.7 US fl oz) of sweet vermouth, and a large splash of Angostura bitters. Some variations may include a dash of cinnamon or a splash of simple syrup for extra sweetness.
How do you properly shake the Manhattan cocktail?
To shake a Manhattan correctly, fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, then seal and shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass—no stirring is required, as the cocktail should be served as a dry, layered drink.
Can I use a different type of whiskey in a Manhattan?
While bourbon or rye whiskey are the traditional choices, some bartenders experiment with scotch, Irish whiskey, or even rum (though the latter is less common). The key is to ensure it has enough spirit strength (40% ABV or higher) to cut through the vermouth effectively.
What’s the difference between a Manhattan and a Martini?
The Manhattan and Martini share similar base ingredients (whiskey + vermouth + bitters), but the Manhattan is sweeter due to its higher vermouth-to-whiskey ratio and often includes a large splash of bitters. The Martini, on the other hand, is typically dryer (equal parts whiskey and dry vermouth) and sometimes garnished with olives or onions.
A Manhattan is best served in a chilled coupe glass (or sometimes a rocks glass if served on the rocks). It’s traditionally presented straight up without stirring, allowing the layers of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to be visible. Garnish with a dash of Angostura bitters or a cinnamon stick for presentation.
