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Calling all whiskey lovers, this one is for you! You can never go wrong with a classic drink, especially when it's this Perfect Manhattan co*cktail recipe.
this recipe
Classic co*cktails are something that everyone should know how to make and this Perfect Manhattan co*cktail recipe is one of our favorites.
If you have never tried to make one at home. We took the guess work out of it and have the perfect recipe.
It's easy to make, fantastic to drink, and so much fun to enjoy with friends. Not to mention, the ability to make bar-worthy classic co*cktails at home is the secret to being a great host or hostess.
Jump to:
- History of the drink
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- FAQs
- Variations
- Recipe
- More Whiskey co*cktails
History of the drink
Legend has it that is was invented in the 1870's by Dr. Ian Marshall at the Manhattan Club in New York City for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill (the mother of Winston).
After the banquet, the drink became very fashionable. Since it did not have a name, people started referring to it as the Manhattan co*cktail because of the club where it was first served.
Ingredients
Making your own manhattan co*cktail is easy. You don't need to have a full professional bar to make this old school co*cktail classic. With just a few simple ingredients, you can feel like a sophisticated aristocrat in no time:
- whiskey
- vermouth
- bitters
- cherries
Instructions
You barely need any time to make this Manhattan co*cktail recipe. All you need is a few glasses of your choice and a good stir stick, and you're set!
Step 1: Place a few ice cubes in a low ball glass.
Step 2: Add whiskey/bourbon, vermouth, bitter and cherry juice.
Step 3: Stir
Step 4: Garnish with cherries.
Cheers!
That's seriously all you have to do! This co*cktail recipe is proof that fun co*cktails don't have to be complicated to make.
Tip: Learn How to Cook a Beef Tenderloin and you can have a fabulous date night from the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the price. How is that for a win?
FAQs
What is a Manhattan co*cktail?
To put itsimply, it's essentially a whiskey martini. There are several variations on the drink, but our personal favorite is this Perfect Manhattan.
What kind of whiskey do you use?
That's easy: pick your favorite.
You can use Canadian Whisky, American Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye) or even Scotch.
We are partial to bourbon, particularly Maker’s Mark,Bulleit,or a new favorite, Rowan’s Creek Small Batch Bourbon.
However you pour it you can't go wrong!
What is the difference between whiskey and bourbon?
In simple terms, whiskey is a spirit distilled from fermented grain mash. What makes each type of whiskey different is the type of grain used. The different grains used include wheat, rye, barley, and corn.
Bourbon is considered to be a bit different because it is an American whiskey, and it has its own specifications of what makes it bourbon. It must be made in the US, be 51% corn and not contain any added flavoring, coloring or additives.
Variations
There are several different variations of this classic drink. If you love this whiskey and bourbon, then be sure to try out all the different variations to see which one you love the most.
- Perfect Manhattans use both sweet and dry vermouth and garnishes with a cherry.
- Dry Manhattans only use dry vermouth and replaces the cherry garnish with a twist.
- A Rob Roy uses scotch whiskey.
- Brandy Manhattans use brandy instead of whiskey.
Recipe
Perfect Manhattan co*cktail
Garnish With Lemon
A Perfect Manhattan co*cktail is a classic whiskey drink that never goes out of style.
4.66 from 55 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Servings 1 drink
Calories 265 kcal
Ingredients
- 3 ounces whiskey or bourbon
- ½ ounce dry vermouth
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 bar spoonful cherry juice from Maraschino or Luxardo cherries
- 2 Maraschino or Luxardo cherries for garnish
Instructions
Place ice cubes in a low ball glass and add first five ingredients.
Stir and garnish with cherries.
Notes
This is a great way to experiment with new brands of bourbon!
VIDEO
Nutrition
Serving: 4ouncesCalories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 10gSodium: 13mgSugar: 7g
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!
More Whiskey co*cktails
Try out a few more whiskey drinks that we know you'll love! Here are a few of our personal favorites.
- Meyer Lemon Whiskey Sours
- Ginger Whiskey co*cktail
- Bourbon Aperol co*cktail
- Peach Bourbon Smash
Find all of our whiskey drinks in our archives.
You can never go wrong with a classic. This Manhattan co*cktail recipe is filled with Bourbon, cherry, bitters, and vermouth and is always a whiskey lover's favorite co*cktail.
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About Lisa
Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good co*cktail.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Randy Toth says
I didn't notice any comments since 2020 but here in 2024 I'll give you mine.
My Dad and Step-mother had a bar and always asked us to come down. When I could he would always want to make me a Manhattan as they loved them. I was a beer drinker all the time and didn't really care for them then. He passed away in 2006 and about 10 years later a friend got me hooked on these things. I thought I had it down pat at the time because I really liked them. However, they didn't quite THEN, today I saw your recipe. Guess what! I had a bottle on my back bar of Dry Vermouth that I think came from my dad. I made me a drink and low and behold that was it! This recipe is Awesome and I thank you very much. I am impressed!
Randy T.Reply
- Lisa says
Thanks for your nice comment! I'm so happy you love it Randy, my dad loves them too! Cheers!
Reply
- John Rubin says
The glass is very important to me. Where can I find the glass used in your presentation ?
Reply
- Lisa says
Hi John, The glass we used was a Waterford crystal glass! Hope that helps!
Reply
- Gail says
What is the difference between a Manhattan and a Old Fashion
Reply
- Lisa says
Hi Gail, An Old Fashioned usually has whiskey, bitters, and sugar and a Manhattan uses sweet vermouth in place of the sugar. Hope that helps!
Reply
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