Manhattan Recipe: Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth and Bitters
A Manhattan combines whiskey, sweet red vermouth and aromatic bitters. Our house recipe uses 40 ml rye whiskey or bourbon, 20 ml vermouth and two dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir with ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and add a cocktail cherry.
Ingredients for one Manhattan
- 40 ml rye whiskey or bourbon
- 20 ml sweet red vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice for stirring
- 1 cocktail cherry
Method
- Chill a coupe or other stemmed cocktail glass.
- Pour the whiskey, vermouth and bitters into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until cold, tasting to judge the dilution. Ice size and starting temperature affect how long this takes.
- Strain into the chilled serving glass without the mixing ice. Garnish with the cherry.
A dash means a small amount dispensed from the bitters bottle, not a shot of bitters. Use the same bottle and pouring motion when comparing recipes.
Our ratio and the IBA version
Our 40:20 recipe uses two parts whiskey to one part vermouth. The IBA Manhattan uses 50 ml rye whiskey, 20 ml sweet red vermouth and one dash of Angostura. These are different specifications, so the IBA quantities are shown separately rather than mixed into the recipe above.
Rye or bourbon?
Both are options in our version. Rye often gives a spicier impression, while bourbon can bring a rounder profile; the particular whiskey and vermouth matter as much as the category. Try changing one ingredient at a time if you want to compare them.
Why stir, and which glass works?
Stirring chills and dilutes this spirit-forward mixture without the aeration of shaking. A coupe or a suitably sized Nick & Nora works for serving it without ice. See our guide to cocktail glasses for more options.
What about its history?
The Manhattan’s origins are disputed, with several stories tied to New York bar culture. Its lasting appeal is easier to understand: whiskey, vermouth and bitters give plenty of room to explore different combinations.
Explore the Manhattan clothing and accessories collection for designs inspired by the cocktail.
