Say hello to my favorite Manhattan cocktail recipe! Make this with traditional rye whiskey or use bourbon for a twist.
I love Manhattans, and my favorite way to make this classic cocktail at home is with bourbon instead of the more traditional rye whiskey.
It’s a simple mix of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, creating a sophisticated and delicious drink. If you’re looking for another cocktail that is high on my list, you’ll love our old fashioned recipe.
Key Ingredients
- Bourbon: While rye whiskey is the go-to choice for Manhattans, bourbon has become nearly as popular. Since bourbon makes up most of the cocktail, choose one you already enjoy. Four Roses is an excellent and affordable option, while Bulleit is another popular choice. For a special occasion, our friends recommend Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Ultimately, the best bourbon is the one you love!
- Sweet Vermouth: This fortified wine balances the bourbon with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and baking spices.
- Bitters: Angostura bitters are widely available and a classic choice. You can also experiment with small-batch bitters, like citrus bitters (orange or grapefruit) or cherry/spiced bitters.
- Maraschino Cherry: While optional, I always add a maraschino cherry to my Manhattan. My favorite brand is Luxardo.
- Orange Peel: A twist of orange zest adds a wonderful aroma to the cocktail, which helps to balance the smell of the alcohol.
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
How to Make the Best Manhattan Cocktail
Tip 1: Stir, don’t shake. There’s no need to shake a Manhattan. Stir it around in a cocktail shaker before pouring it into a chilled martini glass. This keeps ice from watering down the flavors.
Tip 2: Add an orange twist. I love the aroma of orange peel in this drink. Use a cocktail zester or a vegetable peeler to get a little orange zest for garnishing the glass. Before adding it, swipe it around the glass a few times to add some of the orange oils to the lip.
Bourbon Manhattan Cocktail
- PREP
- TOTAL
To make my favorite classic Manhattan cocktail, you only need three main ingredients: bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. You can also garnish it with orange peel and a maraschino cherry.
You Will Need
2 ½ ounces bourbon whiskey
1 ounce sweet vermouth
2 to 3 dashes aromatic bitters, we use Angostura
Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Orange peel, for garnish
Directions
1Fill a martini glass to the brim with ice so it chills while you make the Manhattan.
2Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters to a shaker or glass with a few ice cubes, and then stir or gently shake. Do not overdo it; you do not want the ice to water down the drink.
3Discard ice from the martini glass, strain the Manhattan into the chilled glass, and garnish with cherry and orange peel.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Bitters: I find Angostura bitters at my local liqueur store and in the mixers section of the grocery store.
- Whiskey: While we used bourbon in this Manhattan recipe, rye whiskey is the more traditional choice.
- We like our Manhattan sweeter, but if you prefer it more dry/less sweet, use 50:50 sweet vermouth to dry vermouth.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.
I find using a good Scotch (I like the Glen Levit 16 Nadurra) can give anywhere from smoky earth flavor to sweet berry flavor. I recommend trying your favorite scotch inplace of vermouth.
Always stir and never shake this one. And definitely a Luxardo cherry or two. Save the orange peel for an Old Fashion. Excellent cocktail!
Always shake a martini. Always stir a Manhattan. I dunno why the chemistry works the way it does, but there it is.
I agree with your friend’s opinion about Woodford Reserve Double Oaked!
You lost me at shake it. Never shake a Manhatten, or any cocktail that is only alcohol and alcohol, there’s literally no need whatsoever. Stir it with ice, strain it, pour it, enjoy it.
This is definitely the best Manhattan ever. Happy Birthday to me.
I love me a great Classic Manhattan but NEVER with a Red No. 3 cherry. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are the way to go. If you’ve never had them, ya need to. Also, I give a couple extra shakes of the bitters.
I agree that Luxado cherries are THE WAY TO GO! Nothing better in a Manhattan or a Rob Roy!
Or an Old Fashion!
I’m a classic gin martini guy. But that looks so good I’m going to the liquor store and buy everything to make one !
I totally agree with you on the Classic Gin martini but I’m really enjoying these Manhattans as of late. Cheers Joe!
So, I’ve always been a classic gin martini girl, my dear husband turned me on to g&t’s for summer ( so refreshing!) and my sweet dad taught me a Manhattan just like this for winter (to warm the soul ?).
Great recipe. Got hooked last year in Manhattan. Also had a Gotham there. It’s a Manhattan with a 1/2oz of Kalhua added. Super yum
I savour, cause I discovered exactly what I used to
be looking for. You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
I went to Spec’s and they had all kind of flavored bitters except plain bitters. I bought the lemon flavor. Could’ve had peach, lime, orange, cherry (which cost more?).
But I went with lemon. No regrets. Doesn’t really matter what the flavor, gotta have bitters in there somewhere.
Not. A. Purist.
Manhattans
I love my Manhattan but find it more satisfying without adding bitters. I use Wild Turkey 101, sweet vermouth and mariachio cherry and a drop of cherry juice.
Is there a specific name for a Manhattan without bitters as I describe?
Rich BAUTER
You can never go wrong with the classics.
John — no kidding!
Love this recipe. I hate sugary cocktails, so anything with bitters is a must-try for me. Bonus: very sophisticated!
That looks divine. I haven’t had a Manhattan in some time. Now, I’m thinking I need to correct that. I’m printing!
Enjoy!