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You only need three main ingredients to make this classic bourbon Manhattan co*cktail recipe at home. Jump to the Bourbon Manhattan co*cktail Recipe or read on to see our tips for making it.
You’ll need bourbon, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters. Then, if you want, finish it off with orange peel and a maraschino cherry for garnish.
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How to Make a Manhattan at Home
Not long ago, we sat and watched as a young mixologist painstakingly made us his take on a Manhattan. House-made bitters and vermouth were added. He stirred, never shook and the precision with which he used his personal zester, one that he has had for years was mesmerizing.
At home, we don’t make our own vermouth or bitters, not that we would want to (read: it would be pretty cool, though). Leaving the house-made stuff to the pros, we, instead, make this simple bourbon heavy recipe.
Recipe updated, originally posted February2012. Since posting this in 2012, we have tweaked the recipe to be more clear. – Adam and Joanne
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Classic Bourbon Manhattan co*cktail Recipe
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- PREP
- TOTAL
You only need three main ingredients to make this classic bourbon Manhattan at home. You’ll need bourbon, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters. Then, if you want, finish it off with orange peel and a maraschino cherry for garnish.
Makes 1 drink
You Will Need
2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey 1 ounce sweet vermouth 2 to 3 dashes aromatic bitters (we use Angostura) Maraschino cherry, for garnish Orange peel, for garnish
Directions
1Fill a martini glass to the brim with ice so it chills while you make the Manhattan.
2Add whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters to a shaker or glass with a few ice cubes, and then stir or gently shake. Do not over do it, you do not want the ice to water down the drink. Discard ice from martini glass then strain Manhattan into the chilled glass and garnish with cherry and orange peel.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Find Angostura bitters at your local liqueur store or sometimes you can find it in the mixers section of the grocery store.
- While we used bourbon in this version, it is also popular to use rye whiskey.
- We like our Manhattan on the sweeter side, but if you prefer things on the dryer side, use 50/50 sweet vermouth to dry vermouth.
- Nutrition facts: The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We have used the USDA Supertracker recipe calculator to calculate approximate values.
If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #inspiredtaste — We love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook! Find us: @inspiredtaste
Nutrition Per Serving Serving Size 1 co*cktail / Calories 239 / Protein 0 g / Carbohydrate 6 g / Dietary Fiber 0 g / Total Sugars 5 g / Total Fat 0 g / Saturated Fat 0 g / Cholesterol 0 mg / Sodium 5 mg
AUTHOR: Adam and Joanne Gallagher
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14 comments… Leave a Review
- Lucy Garcia-StoreyMay 7, 2018, 10:38 pmReply
I love me a great Classic Manhattan but NEVER with a Red No. 3 cherry. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are the way to go. If you’ve never had them, ya need to. Also, I give a couple extra shakes of the bitters.
- Joy MartinOctober 15, 2020, 1:35 pm
I agree that Luxado cherries are THE WAY TO GO! Nothing better in a Manhattan or a Rob Roy!
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- Joy MartinOctober 15, 2020, 1:35 pm
- JoeOctober 29, 2017, 4:27 pm
I’m a classic gin martini guy. But that looks so good I’m going to the liquor store and buy everything to make one !
Reply- Lucy Garcia-StoreyMay 7, 2018, 10:23 pm
I totally agree with you on the Classic Gin martini but I’m really enjoying these Manhattans as of late. Cheers Joe!
Reply- CindyOctober 10, 2020, 6:19 pmReply
So, I’ve always been a classic gin martini girl, my dear husband turned me on to g&t’s for summer ( so refreshing!) and my sweet dad taught me a Manhattan just like this for winter (to warm the soul ?).
- CindyOctober 10, 2020, 6:19 pm
- Lucy Garcia-StoreyMay 7, 2018, 10:23 pm
- CamilleJanuary 11, 2017, 7:32 pmReply
Great recipe. Got hooked last year in Manhattan. Also had a Gotham there. It’s a Manhattan with a 1/2oz of Kalhua added. Super yum
- www.so.clApril 25, 2016, 11:04 pm
I savour, cause I discovered exactly what I used to
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be looking for. You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye - Cubby UrungusJuly 1, 2014, 10:21 pm
I went to Spec’s and they had all kind of flavored bitters except plain bitters. I bought the lemon flavor. Could’ve had peach, lime, orange, cherry (which cost more?).
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But I went with lemon. No regrets. Doesn’t really matter what the flavor, gotta have bitters in there somewhere.
Not. A. Purist. - Rich bauterDecember 22, 2013, 11:22 pmReply
Manhattans
I love my Manhattan but find it more satisfying without adding bitters. I use Wild Turkey 101, sweet vermouth and mariachio cherry and a drop of cherry juice.
Is there a specific name for a Manhattan without bitters as I describe?
Rich BAUTER
- JohnAugust 27, 2012, 8:40 am
You can never go wrong with the classics.
Reply- AdamAugust 30, 2012, 11:47 am
John — no kidding!
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- AdamAugust 30, 2012, 11:47 am
- EricaMarch 1, 2012, 11:02 am
Love this recipe. I hate sugary co*cktails, so anything with bitters is a must-try for me. Bonus: very sophisticated!
Reply - Elen GreyFebruary 29, 2012, 3:02 pm
That looks divine. I haven’t had a Manhattan in some time. Now, I’m thinking I need to correct that. I’m printing!
Reply- AdamFebruary 29, 2012, 8:41 pm
Enjoy!
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- AdamFebruary 29, 2012, 8:41 pm
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