Stir up sophistication with this easy recipe for the first modern cocktail, a perfect balance of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
New York City is a place of firsts. It’s the birthplace of the electrical power grid, the municipal water system, the television commercial, the Waldorf salad, and even toilet paper. The Big Apple was also the setting for the world’s first “modern cocktail”—aptly named the Manhattan.
The drink emerged sometime in the 1860s or ’70s, with most accounts placing its origins at The Manhattan Club. Though historians can’t agree on the exact person who first mixed whiskey and sweet vermouth with a dash of bitters over ice, the name of the drink came about from patrons asking for “that Manhattan cocktail” as its popularity spread. By the 1880s, published bar manuals included the formula represented in this classic Manhattan cocktail recipe.
It’s easy to understand this drink’s staying power. Simple ingredients in a structured ratio come together to deliver perfectly balanced flavors in every sip.
The key to a perfect Manhattan is to stir—never shake! Stirring gently chills and dilutes just enough to marry the elements while keeping the drink smooth, clear, and silky. By contrast, shaking aerates the mixture, dulls the flavor, and clouds the liquid—producing foam and bitterness not suited to spirit-forward cocktails. The goal is elegance and texture. The bar spoon should glide quietly through the ice until the glass turns cold to the touch, yielding a pristine, amber-hued drink worthy of its name and legacy.
Four tips for a perfect Manhattan
- Always use a two-to-one ratio of whiskey to sweet vermouth for balanced flavor and proper smoothness.
- Choose your base whiskey wisely: rye for spice and dryness, or bourbon for a softer, sweeter edge.
- Chill the glass before pouring to keep the cocktail perfectly cold without diluting it.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry for classic sweetness, a brandied cherry for richness, or an orange peel for fragrance and brightness.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Manhattans without ice or garnish in an airtight container or glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid in the fridge for up to 1 month. You can also freeze this drink for up to a year in a freezer-safe container. It won’t freeze solid due to its alcohol content, giving you an ideally chilled cocktail straight from the freezer. Whether it’s a single saved drink or a scaled-up batch for a party, simply stir to recombine, portion, garnish, and serve.
Serving suggestions
Serve Manhattans alongside rich, savory dishes that can stand up to its intensity. Start with Bacon-Wrapped Dates to set a refined yet luxurious tone. Then pair a perfectly cooked Sous Vide Steak with a Waldorf Salad, and finish with this New York Cheesecake Recipe for an edible NYC tribute.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters optional
- 1 maraschino cherry optional, for garnish
- Orange peel optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice and water, then set aside.
- In a mixing glass, add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and optional orange bitters.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir for 30–45 seconds, until the outside of the glass feels cold.
- Discard the ice and water from your chilled glass.
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino or brandied cherry. Add an optional twist of orange peel if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment