Manhattan
The Manhattan is a very strong whiskey spirit-forward cocktail, bitter and herbal on the palate. Stirred and served in a coupe. It's one of the International Bartenders Association's official unforgettables cocktails.
Flavor profile
- Sweet
- 76 out of 100
- Bitter
- 93 out of 100
- Herbal
- 91 out of 100
- Smoky
- 45 out of 100
- Boozy
- 100 out of 100
How to make a Manhattan
To make a Manhattan, stir with ice and strain into a coupe: ¾ oz sweet vermouth, 2½ oz bourbon and Angostura bitters. Garnish with maraschino cherry and orange peel.
You'll need
- Sweet Vermouth¾ oz
- Bourbon2½ oz
- Angostura bitterssplash (¼ oz)
- Maraschino cherry, Orange peelgarnish
Instructions
- 1
Chill a coupe: fill it with ice and water while you mix, then tip it out.
- 2
Pour sweet vermouth, bourbon and Angostura bitters into a mixing glass (any sturdy glass works).
- 3
Fill it with ice.
- 4
Stir for 20-30 seconds, until the outside is cold to the touch.
- 5
Strain into the chilled coupe.
- 6
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange twist.
Why stir? Sweet vermouth, bourbon and Angostura bitters are clear, so a gentle stir over ice chills and dilutes them without clouding the drink.
Manhattan questions
What does a Manhattan taste like?
Mostly bitter and herbal, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a very strong drink at about 33% ABV once mixed.
How strong is a Manhattan?
About 33% ABV after mixing with ice, close to a neat spirit.
What's the difference between a Manhattan and a Balmoral?
Both use sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters. The Manhattan adds bourbon, while the Balmoral uses scotch and dry vermouth. Both are stirred, but the Manhattan goes in a coupe and the Balmoral in a cocktail glass. The Manhattan is the stronger of the two.
Should a Manhattan be shaken or stirred?
Stirred. Sweet vermouth and bourbon are clear, so stirring chills it while keeping it silky; shaking would cloud it with tiny bubbles.
What glass do you serve a Manhattan in?
A coupe or cocktail glass.