Manhattan
The Manhattan is a timeless, spirit-forward cocktail renowned for its perfect balance of robust whiskey, sweet herbal vermouth, and a hint of spice from aromatic bitters. Traditionally made with rye whiskey for a spicier character, it can also be prepared with bourbon for a slightly sweeter, smoother profile. Served straight up in a chilled coupe or martini glass and garnished with a brandied cherry, it is the epitome of cocktail elegance and simplicity.
Preparation
Preparation time: 4 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Manhattan is universally recognized as a classic cocktail. It is often served as a sophisticated aperitif before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Its simple, spirit-forward composition places it firmly in the canon of timeless drinks.
Serving
The Manhattan is a relatively small, potent drink served cold and straight up in a chilled coupe or martini glass. It contains a significant amount of alcohol, typically around 32% ABV.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 30-35% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The most popular theory places the drink's origin at the Manhattan Club in New York City around 1874. It was purportedly created for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston's mother) in honor of presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden. The cocktail was a huge success and guests began requesting it elsewhere, referring to it by the name of the club where it originated.
Origin
New York City, USA, around the 1870s.
Manhattan
The drink is consistently known by its original name, Manhattan, and does not have any common alternative names.
Original name
Manhattan
Characteristics overview
This is a smooth, silky cocktail with a rich amber hue, offering a complex aroma of whiskey and herbs. Its flavor is a masterful balance of sweetness from the vermouth and spicy, warming notes from the rye whiskey, finishing with a lingering, pleasant bitterness.
Flavor
Spirit-forward, spicy, sweet, herbal, slightly bitter, rich
Aroma
Whiskey, aromatic herbs, dark fruit, vanilla, oak
Taste balance
Sweet, bitter, strong
Aftertaste
Warming, long, spicy, smooth
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Rich amber, reddish-brown, clear
Texture
Silky, smooth, viscous
Seasonality
Warming, year-round, autumnal, wintery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Manhattan presents a high-intensity flavor profile dominated by the strength of the alcohol and the spiciness of the rye. It carries moderate sweetness and bitterness, with no sourness, saltiness, or creaminess.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The classic Manhattan recipe requires just three core ingredients: Rye Whiskey as the spirit base, Sweet Vermouth for sweetness and herbal notes, and a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters to add complexity.
- Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 ozBourbon can be substituted for a sweeter, less spicy cocktail.
- Sweet Vermouth30 ml / 1 ozUse a high-quality Italian-style sweet vermouth for best results.
- Angostura Bitters2 dashesEssential for adding aromatic complexity and balancing sweetness.
Ice type
- Cubed ice for stirring, served without ice
Mixing equipments
You will need a mixing glass, a bar spoon, and a strainer to properly prepare a Manhattan. This cocktail is stirred, not shaken, to maintain its clarity and silky texture.
- Mixing glass for combining and chilling the ingredients.
- Bar spoon for stirring the cocktail gently.
- Julep or Hawthorne strainer for pouring the drink while holding back the ice.
Instructions
Preparation involves chilling a glass, stirring the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters with ice in a mixing glass, and then straining the mixture into the prepared glass. The final touch is a cherry garnish.
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice water or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Combine the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass filled with cubed ice.
3. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until it is well-chilled.
4. Discard the ice from your serving glass, place a brandied cherry at the bottom, and strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
Garnishing
The traditional garnish for a Manhattan is a high-quality brandied cherry, which complements the drink's rich flavors. A standard Maraschino cherry is also a very common and acceptable garnish.
- Brandied cherry or Maraschino cherry, placed in the glass before pouring or dropped in after.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. Distillation removes gluten from whiskey, and standard vermouths and bitters are typically vegan, making the drink suitable for many dietary preferences.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
A standard Manhattan contains around 190 calories, primarily from the alcohol. Its carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low, typically around 3-4 grams per serving, mostly from the sweet vermouth.
Calories
Averagely 180-200 kcal / 753-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 3-5 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 3-4 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is ideal for sophisticated settings like a formal gathering, a classic cocktail hour, or as an elegant pre-dinner drink. Its strong, refined character makes it a favorite for connoisseurs enjoying a quiet evening or celebrating a special occasion. It is a staple in upscale bars and lounges worldwide.
- Cocktail Hour
- Formal Events
- Pre-dinner Drink
- Classic Bar Experience
Pairing suggestions
The Manhattan's bold, rich profile pairs excellently with savory and flavorful foods. It stands up well to charcuterie, aged cheeses, and rich meat dishes like steak. The cocktail's complexity can also be enjoyed alongside simple snacks like roasted nuts or olives.
- Charcuterie boards
- Strong, aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda
- Steak or other rich red meats
- Roasted nuts
The Manhattan: An Icon of Cocktail Elegance
The Manhattan is a cornerstone of classic mixology, embodying sophistication in a glass. Its simple three-ingredient formula—whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters—creates a drink that is both powerful and nuanced. Best enjoyed stirred and served straight up, it offers a rich, warming experience with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and bitter notes. A true connoisseur's choice, the Manhattan has remained a beloved cocktail for nearly 150 years.