The Classic Manhattan Cocktail is an old school cocktail that never goes out of style. The blend of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters is easy to make and easy to drink!
Post may contain affiliate links, full disclosure on side bar.
Click here to pin this Classic Manhattan now!
What is a Classic Manhattan Cocktail?
While cocktails grow fancier and more complicated by the day – Bourbon with Orange-Thyme Syrup and Roasted Cherry Splash. I made that up, but you get what I’m taking about! Sometimes I want fancy and sometimes I want to get back into my rat pack groove and sip a classic. This time it was a Manhattan.
The history of the Manhattan is kind of murky. It shows up as early as the 1860’s. According to Wikipedia:A Manhattan is a cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Commonly used whiskeys include rye (the traditional choice), Canadian whiskey, bourbon, blended whiskey and Tennessee Whiskey.
Variation of a Manhattan Cocktail
Even though the Manhattan is a classic just the way it is, it’s approach can be easily varied. Some stir, some shake. Some use rye and some use bourbon or Canadian Whisky. You can also change up the bitters, using your own homemade bitters (which I am planning on trying), add some maraschino cherry juice, or even switch out the vermouth.
A Perfect Manhattan is an easy variation – instead of using one vermouth you use 1/2 sweet vermouth and 1/2 dry vermouth.
There are lots of variations on the Manhattan: A Rob Roy, A Dry Manhattan, A Perfect Manhattan, A Brandy Manhattan, A Metropolitan, A Cuban Manhattan, a Tijuana Manhattan, and one of my favorites The Fourth Regiment! The possibilities are endless!
For our Manhattan, we chose Willet Straight Rye Whiskey.
How to Make a Classic Manhattan Cocktail
Who doesn’t love an easy 4 ingredient cocktail, especially when one of those ingredients is the garnish! Making a Classic Manhattan Cocktail is so easy!
Fill a cocktail mixing glass halfway with ice and add rye whiskey (or bourbon or Canadian Whiskey), sweet vermouth, and a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters. Stir. Strain into a chilled cocktails glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Looking for more Whiskey Cocktails:
Add a little bit of fall flavor with this Maple Manhattan!
How about you work your way through these 15 Apple Cocktails to Make Right now!
Perfect for parties! Everyone loves this Apple Rosemary Whiskey Cocktail!
Classic Manhattan Cocktail
This Classic Manhattan Cocktail is a classic for a reason! So easy to make and so easy to sip!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Maraschino Cherry for garnish
Instructions
-
Fill a cocktail mixing glass halfway up with ice.
-
Add whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Stir to combine.
-
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Recipe Notes
While a rye whiskey is classic, you can also use Canadian whisky, bourbon, blended whiskey, and Tennessee Whiskey.
Use 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth and 1/2 ounce dry vermouth to make a Perfect Manhattan.
I would love it if you would follow me on Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook
Tina M Culbertson says
I haven’t had a Manhattan in ages I’m a seasonal drinker so I guess that time is coming up. Love your glassware.
Pam Greer says
Yes, it’s time to switch to fall cocktails!
Cheryl Crotty says
I love to get a Manhatten every once in awhile. It’s a break out drink for me… I”m usually a wine drinker. In the winter, on cold Sunday, with a fire going and a good book, this is my drink. I must add a cherry this year.
Pam Greer says
Definitely add the cherry!
Carla Simpson says
This was my parents’ favorite cocktail. They drank these in the evening “cocktail hour” and made them for their bridge parties. During these parties, after drinking one or two, they switched to drinking iced tea. Their bridge opponents, who continued to drink Manhattans, could never figure out why my parents always won! We have laughed about this often! Thanks for reminding me of a sweet memory!
Pam Greer says
What a great story!! I love it!
Jill says
A manhattan is one of my favorite drinks to order out. I’m just over the border of Kentucky so I usually have mine with bourbon. But all bourbon is whiskey, right? I’ll have to finally try making a manhattan at home thanks to your inspiration!
Pam Greer says
Yes, definitely try making them at home – they are so easy!
Carmy says
Great post! I’ve never made a classic manhattan at home so this is super helpful! Thanks for sharing. Just in time for the holidays!
Pam Greer says
It’s perfect for the holidays!
Katie says
I love knowing how to make the classic drinks- it makes me feel like a real bartender- and the manhattan is a classic! Thanks for the recipe!
Pam Greer says
It’s so easy too!
Elaine says
I know a group who would love this classic. Thanks for a great recipe and simple instructions!
Pam Greer says
It’s such a simple cocktail, but so great!
Kelly Anthony says
Everyone should have a recipe for this classic! I can’t wait for all the holiday cocktail parties to pull this bad boy out! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Pam Greer says
It’s a classic for a reason!! So good!