Ocean 44's Classic Manhattan Recipe

Chill glass

Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink stays cold and doesn't dilute quickly.

Measure and combine

Add 2 oz rye whiskey and 1 oz sweet vermouth into a mixing glass or shaker filled about three-quarters with ice. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.

Stir

Using a long bar spoon, stir the mixture steadily for 20–30 seconds (about 30–40 rotations) until the outside of the mixing glass feels very cold. Aim for proper dilution and chilling (roughly 20–25% dilution by weight).

Prepare garnish

If using, toss 1 maraschino cherry and a 1/4 tsp of maraschino cherry juice into the chilled serving glass or simply set the cherry on a skewer. For an orange twist: cut a 1-inch strip of orange peel and express oils over the glass by holding it skin-side down and giving it a quick twist, then optionally rub the peel on the rim and drop it in.

Strain and serve

Discard ice water from the chilled glass if used. Double-strain or fine-strain the stirred cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled coupe/martini glass (or over a single large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass if preferred).

Garnish

Finish by skewering and dropping the maraschino cherry into the drink or placing it in the glass. If you prepared an orange twist, add it as a garnish as well.

Optional: Rinse technique

For a slightly fruitier profile, add 1/4 tsp maraschino cherry juice to the glass before straining (swirl to coat then pour out the excess) or add a small rinse to the glass prior to pouring the cocktail.

Serve immediately. The Classic Manhattan is best enjoyed slightly cold, not overly diluted. Use a quality rye for spice-forward character; swap to bourbon for a softer, sweeter profile. Adjust sweet vermouth between 3/4–1 1/4 oz to taste.