For anyone looking to be the party host with the most, there are few cocktails that are more storied (or simple!) than the Manhattan. With a simple ratio and basic ingredients, this is the bitter, not-shy cocktail that will make you feel like a master bartender. Especially when it comes to booze-forward classic cocktails, the Manhattan is as iconic as they come. Originally one of the most famous cocktails in the world after it was born, this whiskey cocktail has waxed and waned in popularity over the years, but is a forever staple in my book. Plus, it only has three ingredients, requires no fancy equipment, and is endlessly customizable.
How To Make A Manhattan
INGREDIENTS
Bourbon: Bourbon is by far the most common alcohol (and a Delish favorite) used in a Manhattan cocktail, but you can use rye whiskey if you prefer. Feel free to experiment with the flavor profile by using different bourbons and ryes. Airplane bottles are great for this—all the fun, with minimal commitment.
Sweet Vermouth: Vermouth is a fortified wine that's a bit herbaceous, aromatic, and a tad floral, and adds a bit of sweet balance to a booze-forward Manhattan. I typically like to opt for a vermouth that's on the sweet side to play off the vanilla notes of the whiskey, but feel free to play around with different brands and varieties.
Bitters: Just like the perfect accessory for any outfit, a few dashes of interesting bitters adds another layer of flavor and intrigue. There's a big brave world out there beyond Angostura: Try walnut, lavender, or black cherry for a fun twist.
Cherry: A nice pop of sweetness to round it out, a Luxardo cherry is the literal cherry on top of this cocktail. Don’t feel like you have to stop at just one or two, either. Load up your glass with however many you'd like…this is your cocktail, make it exactly how you want it.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Fill a liquid measuring cup or mixing glass with ice. Add bourbon and vermouth and stir until well chilled.
CHELSEA LUPKIN
After you’ve stirred (not shaken) your Manhattan until very chilled, strain it into a (preferably) frosty couple glass, garnished with a cherry and a few dashes of your favorite bitters.
CHELSEA LUPKIN
Full list of ingredients and directions can be found in the recipe below.
Recipe Tips
The ideal Manhattan ratio: The ideal bourbon to vermouth ratio to make the best Manhattan is 2:1. Once you’ve nailed the ratio, you can experiment with your favorite whiskeys, vermouths, and bitters.
What’s the difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned? These two whiskey cocktails do have a lot in common, but they part ways when it comes to how they’re sweetened—an Old Fashioned gets a cube of demerara sugar, while a Manhattan gets a touch of sweet vermouth, a fortified wine.
Why is it called a Manhattan? The origins of who made the first Manhattan are fuzzy, but one thing is true: It was born in Manhattan, of course—either at the famed Manhattan Club, or a bar called the Manhattan Inn—at some point in the 1860s. No matter who mixed it up first, the cocktail quickly became a beloved cocktail well beyond the city limits.
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Ingredients
Ice
2oz.
bourbon
1oz.
sweet vermouth
2
maraschino cherry (preferably Luxardo)
Angostura bitters, for serving
Directions
Step 1Fill a medium liquid measuring cup or mixing glass with ice. Add bourbon and vermouth and stir until well chilled.
Step 2Strain into a (preferably frosty) coupe glass. Garnish with cherries and a few dashes of bitters.