Cocktail recipe

Manhattan

A classic whiskey-based cocktail with sweet vermouth and bitters.

Cocktail List 5 minutes Mocktail
About measurement options
Metric (ml)
Volumes are shown in millilitres or litres.
US (fl oz, cups and spoons)
Uses US fluid ounces, cups and spoons. 1 US fl oz ≈ 29.57 ml.
Imperial (UK and Canada)
The UK and Canada share the imperial fluid ounce. 1 imperial fl oz ≈ 28.41 ml. Small volumes are shown in ml.
Bar (parts and dashes)
On CocktailFun, 1 part = 30 ml. Dashes stay as dashes. Very small volumes may be shown in ml.
Manhattan

Description

The Manhattan is one of the true giants of classic cocktail history, a drink that has long been associated with confidence, refinement, and old-world style. Built from whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters, it creates a flavour that is deep, smooth, and beautifully layered, with warmth from the spirit, subtle sweetness from the vermouth, and a gentle spiced complexity that lingers on the finish. Said to have emerged in New York during the late 19th century, the Manhattan quickly became a symbol of sophisticated drinking, proving that a few well-chosen ingredients can create something truly unforgettable.

What makes the Manhattan so enduring is its effortless sense of balance. Stirred until perfectly chilled and usually finished with a cherry garnish, it feels polished, elegant, and quietly powerful. It does not rely on gimmicks or excess; instead, it wins you over with depth, structure, and timeless character. For whiskey lovers, the Manhattan is more than a cocktail, it is a statement of taste, a classic that remains as stylish and satisfying today as it was more than a century ago.

Ingredients

  • 50 ml Rye whiskey
  • 25 ml Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 1 piece Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Measure into a mixing glass: 50 ml Rye whiskey, 25 ml Sweet Vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters.
  2. Add ice and stir for about 20 seconds, until the drink is well chilled.
  3. Fine-strain into chilled coupe or martini glasses and serve without ice.
  4. Garnish each glass with a maraschino cherry.

Recommended glassware

Coupe Glass
Coupe Glass (Recommended)

An elegant stemmed glass for shaken or stirred cocktails served up.

120–240 ml Stemmed glass with a broad shallow bowl.

Best for: Daiquiri, Sidecar, Manhattan served up, Gimlet, Clover Club.

Garnish: Great for expressed citrus peels, cherries, and small edible flowers.

Nick and Nora Glass
Nick and Nora Glass

A refined small stemmed glass for stirred and spirit-forward cocktails.

Excellent premium bar alternative.

120–180 ml Small stemmed bowl with inward curve.

Best for: Martinez, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Vesper, Adonis.

Garnish: Best with subtle garnishes like twists or a single cherry.

Quick facts

5 minutes Easy Ice Mocktail
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