Classic Whiskey Manhattan Recipe With Variations

One of the finest and oldest cocktails, the Manhattan is truly a classic cocktail. It is a simple drink recipe of just a few ingredients: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. You can choose between rye whiskey and bourbon, though some drinkers still prefer a smooth Canadian whisky. There is no doubt, however, that this is one of the essential whiskey cocktails that everyone should know.

The Manhattan is whiskey-forward, with the vermouth adding smooth, spiced sweetness and the bitters adding a little punch. As with the gin martini, there are many ways that you can adapt this classic recipe to your personal taste. It has also inspired countless variations, but before you give those a taste, it's best to start off with the original.

Choose Your Whiskey

The original Manhattan was made with rye whiskey. However, there was a period of time in the mid-to-late 1900s when rye was not readily available or high quality and it became common practice to use a Canadian whiskey. When bourbon began to reclaim headlines in the last decades of the 20th century, that became a popular choice and was the newly preferred whiskey for a Manhattan.

That said, the choice is ultimately yours because it is your drink. For a sweeter Manhattan, go with bourbon. When you're in the mood for a dry and semi-spicy Manhattan, rye whiskey would be the choice. On those days when a smooth, soft Manhattan sounds good, pick up a bottle of Canadian whiskey.

The Whiskey to Vermouth Ratio

Like the martini, each drinker will have their preferred ratio of whiskey to vermouth. The 2:1 in the recipe above is a good starting point and the most common mix for the Manhattan. Many drinkers also prefer a 4:1 mix with just 1/2 ounce of sweet vermouth for 2 ounces of whiskey. Play around with this ratio to find your personal idea of the perfect Manhattan. It's also likely that this will change depending on the particular whiskey you're pouring.

Don't Forget the Bitters

Aromatic bitters have long been the preferred accent for the Manhattan and it should be considered a required ingredient. Since we use just a few dashes at a time, it can be easy to forget their importance. However, they are the finishing touch that brings cocktails like the Manhattan into perfect balance. There are a number of new bitters available today and you might want to explore their effects on your perfect Manhattan mix.

No matter how you mix up your Manhattan, you will find that it's an ideal drink for any occasion. It is perfect for a dinner party and pairs nicely with a great variety of foods. It's also a fantastic drink for a casual night with friends.