- Method
- Stirred
- Glassware
- Coupe
- Ice
- No ice
- Time
- 3 min
Manhattan
Rye whiskey and sweet vermouth with a touch of bitters: elegant, deep and spicy. A pillar of classic mixology.
Ingredients
- 60 mlRye whiskey
- 30 mlSweet vermouth
- 2 dashesAngostura bitters
- 1 pieceCocktail cherry
Volume before dilution: 90 ml
Step by step
- 1
Stir the whiskey, vermouth and bitters with ice for 25 to 30 seconds.
- 2
Strain into a chilled coupe.
- 3
Garnish with the cherry.
GarnishCocktail cherry
Allergenssulfites
Flavor profile
Story
It is usually associated with New York's Manhattan Club in the 1870s or 1880s. The popular story linking it to a party thrown by Jennie Jerome (Winston Churchill's mother) does not fit the dates.
Technical notes
It is all spirit and fortified wine, so it is stirred for a silky, clear texture. Fresh, refrigerated vermouth makes all the difference.
Serving
Before dinner or as a nightcap.
Origin
Disputed origin · c. 1870s–1880s · New York, USA
Born in New York in the late 19th century; the Jennie Jerome tale is considered inaccurate.
Variations
Perfect Manhattan
Split the vermouth between sweet and dry.
Rob Roy
Made with Scotch whisky.
Substitutions
- Bourbon for a sweeter version.
Pairings
- Mole negro
- Oaxacan chocolate
Community reviews
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Sources
- IBA Official Cocktails (classification to verify)
- Difford's Guide
- Imbibe! by David Wondrich
Version 1 · Updated October 20, 2026