How to Make a Manhattan
The Manhattan, a classic whiskey cocktail.
A Classic Whiskey Cocktail Recipe You Can Make at Home
The Manhattan is a true classic that’s made with either bourbon or rye whiskey -- you've probably seen recipes for both if you've been searching online. While I love bourbon here at the Grand One Lounge, my go-to for a Manhattan is rye.
I find that the rye works better with the vermouth and bitters. Of course, if a guest wants a Manhattan bourbon-based, then that is not an issue. The measurements are the same, just substitute bourbon for rye. After all, the customer is always right.
As is the case for any true cocktail, it's best to use quality spirits and mixes. You're not hiding behind carbonated mixers here.
Manhattan cocktail ingredients.
Manhattan Ingredients
2 oz rye whiskey
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
The rich tones of the classic Manhattan.
The classic garnish for a Manhattan is a maraschino or brandied cherry. I've yet to find a Grand One Lounge guest who likes these (I don't like them myself), so I prefer the lemon twist or cranberry as an alternate garnish. The garnish is really a great way to make any cocktail your own, so feel free to explore and try different garnish ideas. Just try to make sure that whatever you do works within the flavor profile of the cocktail.
What’s your Manhattan preference: bourbon or rye?
Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
To make a Manhattan, simply combine the ingredients and approach it in one of two ways.
A Manhattan is often stirred with ice and then strained into a coupe or martini glass, or
It's also fairly common to see Manhattan's made in a rocks glass with ice.
In the second case, a large ice cube mold works very well as an alternative to ice cubes (although the cube version pictured here looks pretty inviting as well).
So feel free to prepare your home bar Manhattan either way—or ask your guest what he or she prefers. Always be sure to have ice on hand and you’re good to go.
By Mike Belobradic
Wine, Spirits and Beer Virtuoso
Grand One Lounge