Manhattan Recipe

Chill glass

Place your cocktail glass or coupe in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink to chill it.

Measure and combine

Add 2 oz rye or bourbon whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters to a mixing glass.

Add ice and stir

Fill the mixing glass with enough ice to chill the liquid (about 1 cup). Using a bar spoon, stir gently and steadily for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full spoon turns) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted. Aim for a glossy, slightly viscous texture.

Prepare glass and garnish

Discard the ice water from the chilled cocktail glass (if used). If using an orange peel, express the oils: hold the peel over the glass and give it a sharp twist, skin side down, to release the citrus oils, then rub the peel on the rim and set it in or discard it.

Strain and serve

Using a strainer, pour the stirred Manhattan into the chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with 1 maraschino cherry (skewered or dropped into the drink).

Optional variations

For a drier Manhattan, use 3/4 oz sweet vermouth and 1/4 oz dry vermouth. For a Perfect Manhattan, use equal parts sweet and dry vermouth (1/2 oz each). Adjust bitters to taste (1–3 dashes).

Use the jigger to accurately measure spirits and vermouth. Use a mixing glass and bar spoon to properly chill and dilute the cocktail—shaking is not traditional for a Manhattan. Strain with a Hawthorne or julep strainer into the chilled glass.