Fitness / August 29, 2023

Classic Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Sip into sophistication with our Classic Manhattan recipe—an homage to timeless elegance, combining the smoothness of rye whisky, the depth of sweet vermouth and a hint of bitters.

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When I think of killer cocktails that totally have a backstory, there is one that absolutely has me feeling some type of way: the Classic Manhattan. It’s got that swanky vibe of the city it’s named after. It’s a fabulous mix of rye whisky’s cozy warmth with sweet vermouth and, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, a splash of orange bitters to make the must-have hint of Angostura bitters pop. Oh, and let’s not forget the cherry on top—literally, a cute maraschino cherry.

If you’re all about that Sazerac or Whiskey Sour life, you’re gonna be crushing hard on the Manhattan. Sure, the ingredients might be a little different, but all these babies have that whiskey-loving thing going on. What sets the Manhattan apart is its flavor profile; it’s deep, aromatic, and has that touch of sweet that keeps the whiskey’s strength in check. This cocktail is a throwback that still feels bang on trend and is as mesmerizing as New York’s skyline.

INGREDIENTS

The important ingredients are the rye, vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Got them and you’ve got a Manhattan.

2 oz. rye whiskey
1 oz. sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters (optional)
1 maraschino cherry, for garnish

equipment needed

Martini glass
Mixing glass
Bar spoon
Strainer (if not built in the mixing glass)
Jigger
Garnishing stick (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Chill

Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice.

Combine

In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the rye, vermouth, Angostura bitters, and optional orange bitters.

Stir

Stir well until the mixture is well chilled (about 30 seconds).

Strain

Discard the ice in your martini glass. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

How to Make a Healthy / Low-Calorie Manhattan

Go for a lower-proof rye whisky to slash some calories
Trim down the amount of sweet vermouth, or just switch to a low-sugar sweet vermouth for a lighter take.
Bitters are already a low-cal option, but a light version can lessen the guilt even more.
Those cute maraschino cherries carry extra sugar. Leave your Manhattan nude, or toss in a fresh orange slice.
Ideal for those abstaining from alcohol—the Manhattan Mocktail replaces the whisky with a non-alcoholic whisky alternative and the vermouth with minimized-sugar grape juice.

Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Manhattan

Chill your martini glass in advance. A cold glass ensures that your drink stays chilled for longer.
Manhattan is a stirred cocktail. Shaking introduces tiny bubbles into the drink.
The herb-infused Angostura bitters add complexity and counterbalance the sweetness of the other ingredients. I also like the optional orange bitters for its delicate citrusy note.
A Maraschino cherry not only looks fancy, its sweetness interacts nicely with the cocktail flavor.

FAQs

how many calories are in a Manhattan Cocktail?

A Manhattan has about 180 to 200 calories, but that amount can change depending on the ingredients you use. Wanna make it healthier? Check out the section above for tips on how to lower that calorie count.

What’s the best way to enjoy a Manhattan?

A Manhattan isn’t a rush job; sip it slow and taste all those complex flavors from the rye whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Serve it chilled, straight from your martini glass. And hey, put that straw away!

Can I use bourbon instead of rye?

Absolutely! While rye is the classic choice, bourbon gives you a sweeter spin on the cocktail.

Can I serve a Manhattan on the rocks?

Traditionally, a Manhattan is served straight up in a cocktail or martini glass. But you can also serve your Manhattan in a lowball glass over ice.

Do I totally need to add the orange bitters to the recipe?

Orange bitters are totally optional. They add a little citrusy jazz and complexity to your cocktail but aren’t a part of the cocktail’s original lineup.

Delicious Manhattan Cocktail Variations

The Dry Manhattan: A spin that replaces sweet vermouth with dry vermouth, introducing a crisper, lighter palate.

The Brandy Manhattan: Swapping rye whisky for a well-rounded brandy gives this classic a rich, full-bodied twist.

The Rob Roy: A Scottish tribute to the Manhattan, swapping out the rye for Scotch.

The Sazerac: This New Orleans classic swaps rye/bourbon with cognac and adds muddled sugar cube with Peychaud’s bitters and absinthe.

how to prep and store a manhattan

Yes, a Manhattan can be made ahead of time. If you want to make it the signature cocktail at your next party, just batch-mix them and keep them in a sealed glass container or bottle in the fridge. They should stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. Want to save some for later? No prob. Ditch the ice first though to keep your Manhattan from being needlessly diluted.