To make this Manhattan Drink, you mix Bourbon, Vermouth, and Bitters and garnish with a maraschino cherry or orange peel.

After living in NYC for 6 years, I had to know how to make a Manhattan Drink. To make this, all you need are three ingredients: Bourbon, Vermouth, and Bitters. Traditionally, the cocktail is made with rye whiskey, stirred, and garnished with a maraschino cherry. There are many variations on the drink but I personally prefer garnishing with an orange peel.
The perfect Manhattan Drink is a sophisticated drink with so many flavors in just one sip. Bourbon has a very woody, oaky flavor, the vermouth is sweet and the bitters have an herby taste. Together they blend seamlessly, making this classic Manhattan Cocktail.
This is an old cocktail but became mostly famous during the 1920’s prohibition era. The drink was created at the Manhattan Club in NYC. Canadian Whiskey was mostly used during this era because it was available. New York City is bustling with so many different bars and I guarantee you, every single bar has a Manhattan cocktail on their menu.
What are the Manhattan Ingredients?
Bourbon: You need good quality bourbon like Mccallen or Woodford. Those are my favorite.
Vermouth: I like to use Martini & Rosesi Vermouth although there are some other good brands.
Angostura Bitters: Bitters are ideal for balancing alcoholic drinks, cleansing the palate and facilitating digestion. I have also seen other people use Cynar as well.
Orange or Cherry: I love to use orange slices for my Manhattans although I know many use maraschino cherries instead.
How to make this perfect drink
In a cocktail mixing glass, combine the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Fill the glass with ice and stir continuously for 30 seconds.
Strain the liquid into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry or orange peel.
Other cocktails instead of How to make a Manhattan Drink:
Manhattan Cocktail
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
To make this Manhattan cocktail, all you need are three ingredients: Bourbon, Vermouth, and Bitters. Traditionally, the cocktail is made with rye whiskey, stirred, and garnished with a maraschino cherry. There are many variations on the drink but I personally prefer garnishing with an orange peel.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Optional: Orange Peel or maraschino cherry
Instructions
- In a cocktail mixing glass, combine the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Fill the glass with ice and stir continuously for 30 seconds.
- Strain the liquid into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry or orange peel.
Notes
- Traditionally stirred, not shaken
- Garnish with a cherry or orange peel
- instead of bitters you could use Cynar
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 290.0
- Sugar: 2.0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.1 g
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