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perfect manhattan cocktail
Jana Rae

Perfect Manhattan Cocktail

Learn to make the Perfect Manhattan Cocktail—a sophisticated drink with rye whiskey, sweet and dry vermouth, and bitters. Includes a classic variation!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
  • ½ oz sweet vermouth
  • ½ oz dry vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist, for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker or Mixing Glass https://amzn.to/4fLugsB
  • Bar Spoon https://amzn.to/4evacdg
  • Jigger https://amzn.to/3YJTK2O
  • Strainer https://amzn.to/4hLjmF7
  • Cocktail Glass https://amzn.to/3Z8sLiM
  • Peeler or Zester https://amzn.to/3Z4VBRd
  • Ice Cube Tray https://amzn.to/48Nrlxr

Method
 

  1. Place your coupe or martini glass in the freezer 10-15 minutes before starting. A frosty glass keeps the cocktail cool and refreshing.
  2. Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice.Use large cubes if possible—they dilute the drink less while keeping it cold.
  3. Using a jigger, measure and pour the following into the mixing glass:2 ounces of rye whiskey (or bourbon for a sweeter twist).1 ounce of sweet vermouth.Add 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth for the Perfect Manhattan variation.Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters for a signature depth of flavor.
  4. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for 25-30 seconds.Stirring ensures a smooth texture and proper dilution without clouding the drink.
  5. Using a Hawthorne strainer, pour the cocktail into your chilled coupe or martini glass.Strain carefully to leave any ice behind, preserving the clarity of the cocktail.
  6. Luxardo Cherry: Drop a Luxardo or high-quality maraschino cherry into the glass for a touch of sweetness.
    Orange Twist: Peel a strip of orange skin (avoiding the white pith). Hold it over the glass, twist gently to release oils, and either drop it into the cocktail or perch it on the rim.
  7. Present your Perfect Manhattan immediately for the ultimate tasting experience. Its balanced flavors and velvety texture shine best when fresh.

Notes

Suggested Brands for the Perfect Manhattan Cocktail

Rye Whiskey or Bourbon

  • Rye Whiskey:
    • Rittenhouse Rye: Bold and spicy, a bartender favorite.
    • Bulleit Rye: Offers a balanced spiciness, great for cocktails.
    • WhistlePig 10-Year Rye: Premium choice with complex flavors.
  • Bourbon (for a sweeter profile):
    • Woodford Reserve: Smooth and versatile.
    • Buffalo Trace: Affordable with a rich flavor.
    • Maker's Mark: Sweet and mellow, ideal for those new to bourbon.

Sweet Vermouth

  • Carpano Antica Formula: Rich, complex, and slightly vanilla-forward, a top-tier choice.
  • Dolin Rouge: A lighter, less intense option that works beautifully in Manhattans.
  • Cinzano Rosso: Affordable, widely available, and a classic pick.

Dry Vermouth (For the Perfect Manhattan Variation)

  • Dolin Dry Vermouth: Light and crisp, a go-to for many bartenders.
  • Noilly Prat Extra Dry: Smooth and aromatic with a subtle herbal note.
  • Martini & Rossi Dry Vermouth: Widely available and reliable for cocktails.

Angostura Bitters

  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters: The classic choice, essential for a traditional Manhattan.
  • Angostura Orange Bitters: A great alternative for a citrus-forward twist.
  • Peychaud’s Bitters (Optional): Adds a floral, slightly sweeter profile if you want to experiment.
Feel free to mix and match to suit your personal taste, but these brands are widely praised for their quality and work beautifully in a Manhattan!