Manhattan Recipe

Chill glass

Place your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for several minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink stays cold.

Measure ingredients

Using a jigger, measure 2 oz rye whiskey and 1 oz sweet vermouth. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.

Combine and stir

Fill the mixing glass with the cup of ice. Pour the measured whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters over the ice. Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full rotations) until well chilled and slightly diluted. The liquid should be cold to the touch and show small beads of condensation on the mixing glass.

Prepare garnish

If using an orange twist, run a peeler or knife to remove a 1-inch-wide strip of peel, avoiding too much pith. Express the oils over the surface of the chilled glass by holding the twist skin-side down and giving it a quick squeeze or twist, then set it aside or rub it on the glass rim.

Strain and serve

Discard ice or water from the chilled serving glass. Using your strainer, pour the stirred Manhattan into the chilled glass, leaving the ice behind in the mixing glass.

Garnish

Drop one maraschino cherry into the drink. If using an orange twist, place the expressed twist on the rim or float it on the surface.

Final

Serve immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the balance of spicy rye, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters.

Use the mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, and strainer as directed above. Ensure tools are clean and chilled if possible to maintain temperature.