Reversed Manhattan

The Reversed Manhattan flips the traditional recipe on its head, using two parts sweet vermouth to one part rye or bourbon whiskey. This simple change transforms the drink into a lighter, more herbaceous, and less spirit-driven cocktail. It highlights the complex botanicals of the vermouth, with the whiskey providing a spicy backbone. It is an elegant and sophisticated drink perfect for those who enjoy vermouth-heavy cocktails like the Adonis or Bamboo.
Reversed Manhattan

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Reversed Manhattan is a classic cocktail, a direct variation of the iconic Manhattan. It falls into the category of stirred, spirit-forward drinks, often enjoyed as an aperitif due to its lower alcohol content and vermouth-forward profile. It's a perfect example of a pre-Prohibition style cocktail.

Serving

Served straight up in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass, this cold, spirituous drink has a lower ABV than its classic counterpart, making it an excellent aperitif.
Serving size
Approx. 3 oz / 90 ml (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Around 18-22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Cocktail glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The concept of a "reverse" cocktail, where the base spirit and modifier are flipped, became popular in the early 20th century. This was partly due to a taste for lighter drinks and sometimes the lower cost of vermouth compared to whiskey. While the exact origin is murky, the Reversed Manhattan appeared in various forms in cocktail manuals, showcasing the versatility of the original template.
Origin
United States, early 20th century. It's a variation on the original Manhattan, which dates back to the late 19th century.

Reversed Manhattan

The drink is primarily known as the Reversed Manhattan, often shortened to Reverse Manhattan. It is also called the Tivoli Cocktail, a name that harkens back to early 20th-century cocktail books. The name simply refers to its inverted ratio of vermouth to whiskey compared to a classic Manhattan.
Original name
Reversed Manhattan
Alternative names
  • Tivoli Cocktail
  • Reverse Manhattan

Characteristics overview

The Reversed Manhattan is an aromatic, vermouth-led cocktail with a silky texture and a deep amber hue. Its flavor is a complex balance of sweet, bitter, and spicy notes with a clean, bittersweet finish.
Flavor
Herbaceous, Wine-like, Spicy, Semi-sweet, Botanical, Fruity (dark fruits)
Aroma
Aromatic, Vinous, Herbal, hints of Rye Spice
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter, hint of Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Herbal, Lingering Bittersweetness
Fizziness
Still, None
Color appearance
Deep Amber, Ruby Red, Clear
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Medium-bodied
Seasonality
All-season, slightly leaning towards Autumn/Winter

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, driven by the vermouth's botanicals and the whiskey's spice, resulting in a balanced and aromatic drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires three key ingredients: a good quality sweet vermouth, a spicy rye whiskey, and aromatic bitters. The ratio is weighted heavily towards the vermouth.
  • Sweet Vermouth2 oz / 60 ml
    A quality Italian-style vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino is recommended.
  • Rye Whiskey1 oz / 30 ml
    A 100-proof rye like Rittenhouse provides a nice spicy backbone. Bourbon can also be used.
  • Angostura Bitters2 dashes
    The classic aromatic bitters that tie the drink together.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a mixing glass and a bar spoon for stirring the cocktail with ice, and a strainer to pour it into the glass. A jigger is essential for accurate measurements.
  • Mixing glass for chilling and diluting the ingredients
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Julep or Hawthorne strainer for pouring
  • Jigger for measuring

Instructions

The drink is built by stirring all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, then straining it into a chilled coupe. A brandied cherry garnish completes the classic presentation.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
2. Add the sweet vermouth, rye whiskey, and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. If you used ice to chill your serving glass, discard it.
6. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

Garnishing

The classic garnish is a high-quality brandied or maraschino cherry, which adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. An orange twist can also be expressed over the drink for a brighter aroma.
  • Brandied cherry, dropped into the finished drink.

Dietary Information

This is a vegan and vegetarian-friendly alcoholic beverage that is free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It may not be suitable for those with severe gluten sensitivities as whiskey is derived from gluten-containing grains.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains approximately 150 calories per serving, with around 11 grams of carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the sweet vermouth.
Calories
Averagely 140-160 kcal / 585-670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 10-12 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is ideal as a pre-dinner aperitif, stimulating the palate without being overpowering. Its sophisticated and lighter profile also makes it a great choice for cocktail parties or quiet evenings.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Sophisticated gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Reversed Manhattan pairs excellently with savory and salty foods. A charcuterie board with cured meats and aged cheeses is a perfect accompaniment. Simple bar snacks like olives or roasted nuts also complement the drink's herbaceous profile.
  • Salty snacks
  • Cured meats (charcuterie)
  • Hard cheeses (like Parmesan or Pecorino)
  • Olives

The Reversed Manhattan: A Vermouth-Lover's Classic

The Reversed Manhattan is an elegant and sophisticated twist on a beloved classic. By inverting the primary ingredients, it shifts the focus from the spicy whiskey to the rich, botanical notes of the sweet vermouth. This creates a lighter, less alcoholic, but equally complex cocktail that is perfect as an aperitif. It is an excellent choice for vermouth lovers and those seeking a more nuanced, sessionable version of the original Manhattan.

Similar Cocktails

Manhattan

The original classic, which uses the reverse ratio: 2 parts whiskey to 1 part sweet vermouth.

Rob Roy

A Manhattan made with Scotch whisky instead of American rye or bourbon.

Martinez

A classic precursor to the Martini and Manhattan, typically made with Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters.

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