Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

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Classic Sophistication: Stirring the Perfect Manhattan

If you’re ready to sip on sophistication, you’re in the right place! The Manhattan is a timeless classic that has earned its place alongside iconic cocktails like the Martini, Aviation, and Old Fashioned—favorites I’ve explored in previous posts. This elegant blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters delivers a perfectly balanced mix of warmth, sweetness, and spice, making it the ideal choice for a refined evening.

But what makes the Manhattan so special—and how can you perfect it at home?

Let’s embrace the glamour of this classic cocktail and start the new year with style. Forget the shaker; the Manhattan comes to life in a stirring glass, allowing its simple, yet sophisticated ingredients to truly shine.

So, grab your favorite cocktail glass, and let’s shake up tradition (without actually shaking, of course)! I can’t wait to create this iconic drink with you. Cheers to a classic start!

🎥 Video

🥘 Ingredients

• Angostura Bitters
  These aromatic bitters are the magic touch that brings depth and balance to your Manhattan. If you’re curious about what makes them so special, check out my detailed post about Angostura Bitters.
• Bourbon
  The star of the show! Choose a quality bourbon that you enjoy sipping on its own—its rich, warm notes will shine in this cocktail.
• Sweet Vermouth
  This fortified wine adds a hint of sweetness and herbal complexity, perfectly complementing the bourbon and bitters. Opt for a good-quality sweet vermouth for the best results.
• A Cherry as Garnish (I used a Maraschino cherry) The finishing touch! A vibrant cherry not only adds visual appeal but also delivers a subtle sweetness with every sip.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍸 Step-by-Step

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Add your ingredients.
Start by adding the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters—always in that order—to a well-chilled stirring glass.

Step 2: Stir to perfection.
Add ice and stir thoroughly. For the best results, glide your bar spoon along the inside of the stirring glass. This method ensures minimal dilution while chilling the drink to perfection, thanks to the combination of the cold glass and ice.

Step 3: Strain like a pro.
Place a Hawthorn strainer on top to keep the ice in the stirring glass, then strain the cocktail ideally through a fine strainer directly into your pre-chilled cocktail glass.

This bold Manhattan cocktail is the perfect match for a hearty Mississippi Pot Roast—especially this flavorful version from Glenda’s kitchen.

🍽 Equipment

• Stirring glass
• Measuring tools / Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine strainer
• Cocktail glass

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Classic Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that combines rich, warming flavors with a chilled, velvety finish. With the perfect stirring technique and a focus on quality ingredients, this recipe makes it easy to create a drink that’s as timeless as it is delicious.

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5 from 4 votes

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Total Time:5 minutes mins

Equipment

• Stirring glass
• Measuring tools / Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine-strainer
• Cocktail Glass

Ingredients

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 ¾ oz Bourbon
• ½ oz Sweet Vermouth
• Cubed ice for the stirring glass
• 1 Cherry as a garnish. I opted for a Maraschino cherry

Metric – US Customary

Instructions

• Add 2 dashes Angostura Bitters, 1 ¾ oz Bourbon, and ½ oz Sweet Vermouth —in that order—to a well-chilled stirring glass.
  2 dashes Angostura Bitters, 1 ¾ oz Bourbon, ½ oz Sweet Vermouth
• Add Cubed ice and stir thoroughly. To achieve the perfect chill and minimal dilution, run your bar spoon along the inside of the glass, allowing the ice to gently turn.
  Cubed ice
• Use a Hawthorn strainer to hold back the ice and strain the cocktail through a fine strainer into your pre-chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with 1 Cherry .
  1 Cherry

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Servings: 1 Serving

Calories: 140kcal

Author: Nora

⛑️ Food Safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

For further information, check Safe Food Handling – FDA.

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