The Manhattan, a timeless cocktail that never goes out of style. With its rich flavors and smooth texture, it’s no wonder this classic drink has remained a favorite among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike. But what makes a great Manhattan? Is it the type of whiskey used, the ratio of sweet to sour, or the subtle nuances of flavor added by various bitters and vermouths?
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of refined Manhattans, exploring 19 classic recipes that have been tweaked and perfected for the modern palate. From the traditional Perfect Manhattan with rye whiskey to innovative creations like Smoked Cherry and Maple Old Fashioned, each recipe offers a unique twist on the original while staying true to its iconic roots.
Perfect Manhattan with Rye Whiskey
Combine the bold flavors of rye whiskey with the classic Manhattan cocktail for a unique and satisfying drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz rye whiskey
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Bourbon Manhattan with Angostura Bitters
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with this classic cocktail recipe. Bourbon Manhattan is a timeless combination of rich bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bold Angostura bitters.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 3-4 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters over the ice.
3. Stir the mixture for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required!
This Bourbon Manhattan recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the bold flavors of bourbon and Angostura bitters. The sweet vermouth adds a subtle complexity to the drink, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Sweet Manhattan with Italian Vermouth
A twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, this recipe adds a touch of sweetness and sophistication with Italian Vermouth.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Italian Vermouth
– 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Italian vermouth.
3. Add the Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe!)
Dry Manhattan with French Vermouth
This variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail substitutes sweet vermouth with dry French vermouth, resulting in a drier and more sophisticated flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Dry French Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange twist or cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey, dry French vermouth, and angostura bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry.
Cooking Time: None (as this is a cocktail!)
Smoked Cherry Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique Smoked Cherry Manhattan recipe, featuring the rich flavors of bourbon, cherry liqueur, and a hint of smokiness.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes smoked bitters (such as Bittercube’s Smoked Cherry Bark Bitters)
– Cherry, for garnish
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, cherry liqueur, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add 2 dashes of smoked bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry and orange peel.
Cooking Time: None needed! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Maple Old Fashioned Manhattan
Experience a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail with the addition of rich maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir the mixture for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Add the maple syrup and continue stirring for another 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None required! This is a cocktail, not a dish to cook.
Black Walnut Manhattan
Combine the rich flavors of black walnut with the timeless elegance of a Manhattan cocktail, and you’ll have a sophisticated drink perfect for any occasion. This recipe adds a unique twist to the classic by incorporating the nutty, slightly sweet flavor of black walnut liqueur.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz black walnut liqueur
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, black walnut liqueur, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, after all.
Spiced Apple Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this autumn-inspired twist on the classic Manhattan, featuring the warm spices and crisp flavors of apple and cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz apple cider syrup (see note)
– 2 dashes cinnamon bitters
– Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine whiskey, sweet vermouth, and apple cider syrup.
2. Add ice to the mixing glass and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
4. Add cinnamon bitters and stir briefly to combine.
5. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None! This is a ready-to-drink cocktail.
Orange-Infused Manhattan
Elevate your classic cocktail game with the warm, citrusy flavors of this Orange-Infused Manhattan.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Orange twist or wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine whiskey, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
4. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, after all!
Chocolate Bitters Manhattan
This indulgent twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail adds a deep, velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor to this timeless cocktail. Perfect for those who love rich and decadent flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Chocolate Bitters
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, chocolate bitters, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None needed – just mix and serve!
Bacon-Washed Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique take on the classic Manhattan, featuring crispy bacon-infused whiskey as the star of the show.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bacon-washed bourbon or rye whiskey
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir for approximately 20-25 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a cherry, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of mixing.
Get ready to experience the savory, smoky flavor of crispy bacon merged with the classic Manhattan. The result is a one-of-a-kind cocktail that will leave you wanting more.
Rosemary-Infused Manhattan
Elevate your classic cocktail game with the earthy charm of rosemary. This unique twist on the timeless Manhattan combines bold whiskey flavors with herbaceous notes, perfect for adventurous spirits.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/4 oz Rosemary Simple Syrup (see below)
– Dash of Angostura Bitters
– Cherry garnish
Rosemary Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup Water
– 1 cup Granulated Sugar
– 1/4 cup Fresh Rosemary Leaves, chopped
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to boil, then remove from heat. Add chopped rosemary leaves and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain the syrup before using.
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour whiskey, sweet vermouth, and rosemary simple syrup over the ice.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Enjoy your Rosemary-Infused Manhattan, a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Luxardo Cherry Manhattan
Elevate your classic Manhattan cocktail with the rich flavor of Luxardo cherries. This refined twist on a timeless cocktail is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Luxardo Cherry Liqueur
– 1 Luxardo cherry, for garnish
– Orange peel, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Luxardo cherry liqueur over the ice.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a single Luxardo cherry and an orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Vanilla Bean Manhattan
A twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, this Vanilla Bean Manhattan combines the warm spices of vanilla with the rich flavors of whiskey and vermouth.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Vanilla-flavored simple syrup (see below for recipe)
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Simple Syrup Recipe:
– 1 cup Water
– 1 cup Granulated Sugar
– 1/2 Vanilla Bean, split lengthwise
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves. Add vanilla bean and remove from heat. Let steep for at least 30 minutes before straining.
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, simple syrup, vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None
Espresso Manhattan
The Espresso Manhattan combines the rich flavors of espresso with the smoothness of whiskey and sweet vermouth, creating a unique and complex cocktail experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz freshly brewed espresso
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and espresso to the mixing glass.
3. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail, not a dish!)
Smoky Mezcal Manhattan
This Smoky Mezcal Manhattan combines the bold flavors of mezcal with the rich, smoky notes of Lapsang souchong tea to create a complex and intriguing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz Lapsang souchong tea-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine mezcal, sweet vermouth, and Lapsang souchong simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the mixing glass and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
4. Add Angostura bitters by dashes, allowing them to settle at the bottom of the glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make Lapsang souchong tea-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 2 oz Lapsang souchong tea leaves in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let cool and strain before using.
Pomegranate Manhattan
Combine the classic Manhattan cocktail with the sweet-tart flavors of pomegranate to create a unique and delicious twist.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Pomegranate juice
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Orange twist or cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, pomegranate juice, and sweet vermouth to the shaker.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry.
Cooking Time: None needed! This is a cocktail recipe.
Gingerbread Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique blend of gingerbread-flavored liqueur, whiskey, and vermouth. This festive drink is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Gingerbread-flavored liqueur
– 3/4 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or gingerbread cookie garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the liqueur, whiskey, vermouth, and lemon juice.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or gingerbread cookie.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Peppermint Twist Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Manhattan.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Peppermint Schnapps
– 1/2 oz Vermouth
– 1/4 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura Bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, peppermint schnapps, vermouth, and simple syrup.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None required! Just mix and serve.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cocktail game with 19 refined classic Manhattan recipes! From Perfect Manhattans with rye whiskey to Smoked Cherry and Maple Old Fashioned variations, these twists on the classic recipe offer something for every taste. With a range of flavors including bourbon, angostura bitters, Italian vermouth, and more, you’ll find inspiration for your next cocktail party or special occasion.