The Manhattan Cocktail has been a beloved classic for over a century, with its timeless appeal transcending generations. This iconic drink is a staple in any bartender’s repertoire, made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Its rich history dates back to the late 1800s or early 1900s, with theories suggesting it was either created at the Manhattan Club in New York City or by a skilled bartender named Black in Brooklyn.
Despite its murky origins, the Manhattan has become an integral part of cocktail culture. One of the reasons for its enduring popularity is its incredible versatility. The classic recipe can be tweaked and transformed into countless variations, each with its unique twist. Some bartenders prefer to use rye whiskey instead of bourbon, while others add a splash of cherry juice or experiment with different types of bitters.
The possibilities are endless, offering something new to explore for both seasoned professionals and novice mixologists alike. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Manhattan Cocktail is an absolute must-try. With its many variations to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste buds. So, grab your shaker and some ice, and let’s dive into the world of Manhattan Cocktail recipes.
Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
Savoring the timeless elegance of The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail, a whiskey connoisseur’s delight that harmoniously blends Bourbon, vermouth, bitters, and cherry juice. This iconic drink, said to have emerged in the 1870s at New York City’s Manhattan Club, has captivated palates for generations, offering an unparalleled balance of sweet and bitter flavors. With its effortless preparation and refined appeal, The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is an ideal companion for social gatherings with friends.
As a whiskey aficionado, you’ll be hard-pressed to resist the allure of this sophisticated sipper.
Perfect Manhattan
The Perfect Manhattan is a timeless cocktail that has been delighting palates for generations. Its complex flavor profile, featuring notes of bold rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness, makes it an excellent choice for any occasion. Despite its unclear origins, the drink has gained a loyal following among enthusiasts. What sets the Perfect Manhattan apart is its ability to be sipped and savored, with each nuanced flavor element unfolding over time.
This sophisticated cocktail is perfect for those seeking a bold and refined drinking experience.
Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail has been a staple in the world of mixology since the 1870s. Its enduring popularity stems from its harmonious blend of whiskey and vermouth, elevated by the subtle nuances of bitters and a sweet maraschino cherry. While traditionally crafted with rye whiskey, this classic cocktail can also be adapted to feature other types of whiskey, such as bourbon or Canadian whiskey, offering a versatility that’s hard to resist.
For those who appreciate a strong yet smooth drink meant to be savored, the Manhattan is an ideal choice. Whether you’re drawn to its nostalgic appeal or simply seeking a timeless cocktail to impress your friends, this iconic drink is sure to become a personal favorite.
Classic Manhattan Cocktail
A staple from the late 19th century, the Classic Manhattan Cocktail remains an iconic beverage to this day. Its defining characteristics include a harmonious balance between sweet vermouth and rye whiskey, subtly accented with Curaçao and Boker’s bitters. Typically served straight up and garnished with a lemon twist, this timeless concoction is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
The synergy between its four primary components – rye whiskey, vermouth, Grand Marnier, and bitters – yields an exceptionally unique flavor profile that embodies the essence of classic cocktail craftsmanship.
Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan Cocktail is a timeless classic that has been delighting palates for generations. A harmonious blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters creates a rich, bold flavor profile that’s perfect for sipping on a chilly evening in or sharing with friends at an upscale bar. The addition of a cherry garnish adds a subtle touch of sweetness, elevating the drink to new heights.
With its bold yet refined character, this cocktail is an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates the nuances of whiskey and expertly crafted cocktails.
Classic Manhattan
A staple in the world of mixology, the Classic Manhattan has remained a beloved choice for generations. This iconic cocktail’s enduring popularity stems from its harmonious balance of bold flavors and subtle nuances. The combination of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a touch of cherry juice creates a rich and complex taste profile that is both refined and indulgent.
While the addition of cherry juice may seem like a departure from the original recipe, it actually adds depth and sophistication to the classic Manhattan, making it an essential sip for anyone seeking a sophisticated and timeless cocktail experience.
French Quarter Manhattan
The French Quarter Manhattan offers an intriguing departure from the traditional Manhattan cocktail recipe. By substituting vermouth with a nut liqueur, this unique drink boasts a distinct flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. The addition of chocolate bitters provides a subtle sweetness and complexity to the drink, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a nutty twist on a classic.
This versatile cocktail is effortlessly crafted and can be batched to delight a group or elevate any gathering. As its name suggests, the French Quarter Manhattan’s pecan praline-inspired flavors unfold with every sip, rendering it an ideal companion during quarantine or whenever you crave something new and thrilling.
Midnight Manhattan Cocktail
The Midnight Manhattan Cocktail, crafted by Travis Fourmont of Detroit’s Roast restaurant, is an innovative take on the classic Manhattan recipe. This whiskey-forward concoction boasts a rich, layered flavor profile, courtesy of its unique blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and cherry. The subtle tanginess adds a delightful twist, making it a standout choice for those seeking to venture beyond the original.
It’s little wonder that this cocktail took top honors at the 2013 Master of the Manhattan competition. For rye enthusiasts, feel free to experiment with a Rye-based variation. This Midnight Manhattan Cocktail is an absolute must-try for any whiskey aficionado looking to expand their palate and indulge in new flavors.
Brown Sugar Manhattan
What happens when you combine the timeless elegance of the Manhattan cocktail with the warm, velvety richness of brown sugar? The result is a unique twist on the classic that’s sure to impress. This innovative take features a homemade brown sugar simple syrup that infuses the drink with a deep, caramel-like flavor. Served in a coupe glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry, the Brown Sugar Manhattan is the perfect choice for a special occasion or romantic evening in.
The substitution of brown sugar for traditional granulated sugar adds an unexpected layer of complexity to this classic cocktail, making it a must-try for anyone looking to shake things up.
Black Manhattan
In the world of craft cocktails, few variations are as intriguing as the Black Manhattan. By swapping sweet vermouth for amaro, a bitter Italian liqueur infused with herbs and spices, this refined twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail is born. The marriage of whiskey’s inherent sweetness and amaro’s nuanced bitterness yields a drink that is at once complex and captivating.
One of the charms of the Black Manhattan lies in its adaptability to individual taste, as the choice of amaro can significantly shape the flavor profile – making it an exciting cocktail to experiment with and explore.
Bourbon Manhattan Cocktail
A timeless favorite among mixologists, the Bourbon Manhattan Cocktail has been pleasing palates for generations. At its core, this classic recipe combines Kentucky straight bourbon, sweet vermouth, and spiced cherry bitters to create a richly nuanced flavor profile when the bourbon and vermouth are harmoniously balanced. The subtle yet distinctive touch of spiced cherry bitters injects a fascinating new dimension into this beloved cocktail.
For those who revel in the smooth, bold taste of bourbon and seek a fresh spin on a classic drink, the Bourbon Manhattan Cocktail is an absolute must-try.
Rum Manhattan
The Rum Manhattan brings a fresh spin to the timeless Manhattan cocktail by substituting 1888 Rum – a premium double-aged rum that’s smooth enough to be savored on its own. This three-ingredient concoction demands top-notch rum to truly come alive. The harmonious blend of sweet vermouth, bitters, and 1888 Rum yields a richly complex flavor profile, ideal for sipping in the comfort of your own home or impressing at an upscale cocktail gathering.
If you’re seeking a modern twist on the classic Manhattan, the Rum Manhattan is undoubtedly worth exploring.
Manhattan Cocktail With Kriek
A modern spin on the iconic Manhattan Cocktail is born – the Manhattan Cocktail with Kriek. This innovative twist replaces traditional vermouth and bitters with kriek, a lambic beer infused with the tangy essence of sour cherries. As a result, this refined cocktail presents a delicate balance of light and sophisticated flavors that are sure to captivate even the most discerning palates.
The subtle sweetness and added complexity courtesy of kriek elevate this drink to must-try status for enthusiasts of tart cocktails.
Cherry Lover’s Manhattan Cocktail
For those who can’t get enough of maraschino cherries, the Cherry Lover’s Manhattan Cocktail is an absolute must-have. This sweet and smooth variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail is designed to appeal to those who find traditional Manhattans too potent. By incorporating Luxardo maraschino liqueur and cherry juice, this drink amplifies the cherry flavor, making it an ideal match for a nostalgic steak dinner.
If you’re seeking a distinctive spin on the timeless Manhattan, the Cherry Lover’s Manhattan Cocktail is definitely worth exploring.
Cinnamon Spiced Manhattan
The classic Manhattan cocktail gets a warm and inviting makeover with the introduction of cinnamon in the Cinnamon Spiced Manhattan recipe. By combining whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, you’ll create a drink that’s perfect for the fall season. But what really sets this cocktail apart is the option to add a smoky element, elevating the flavor profile to new heights.
If you’re looking to spice up your cocktail repertoire this autumn, the Cinnamon Spiced Manhattan is an excellent choice to try out.
Cherry Manhattan
The Cherry Manhattan is a masterful reimagining of the iconic Manhattan cocktail. By combining the richness of bourbon with the subtle sweetness of vermouth and cherry juice, this warm and inviting drink offers a delightful departure from its classic counterpart. The addition of gourmet cherries and a hint of orange peel adds a profound layer of complexity to the flavor profile, making it an absolute delight for the senses.
This cocktail is perfectly suited for unwinding after a long day or as a festive treat to share with loved ones during the holiday season. Its make-ahead convenience makes it an excellent choice for entertaining, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your guests rather than worrying about last-minute preparations. If you’re already enamored with the timeless appeal of the Manhattan, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience the Cherry Manhattan’s unique charm.
The Black Manhattan Cocktail
The Black Manhattan Cocktail offers a twist on the classic Manhattan by substituting Averna amaro’s bittersweet flavor for sweet vermouth. This innovative creation from Todd Smith, a bartender at San Francisco’s renowned Bourbon & Branch bar, also incorporates a second type of bitters to elevate the drink. While both bourbon and rye whiskey can be used, rye tends to be more fitting for fall due to its spicier profile, which complements the season’s warm flavors.
Perfect for those seeking to move beyond their usual old fashioned and indulge in a rich, complex whiskey-based cocktail, the Black Manhattan is a sophisticated yet accessible drink that will leave guests impressed and make any autumn evening feel more refined.
Port Manhattan
The Portmanteau, affectionately known as the Port Manhattan, reimagines the classic Rye Manhattan cocktail by harmoniously fusing two distinct flavors of rye whiskey and port. This innovative concoction yields a one-of-a-kind taste experience that is sure to delight enthusiasts of whiskey-based cocktails. The name Portmanteau is aptly derived from the blending of two standalone words, much like the way this cocktail masterfully combines disparate elements to create something truly exceptional.
Whether you’re looking to add a novel touch to your bar’s offerings or seeking a conversation starter for your next social gathering, the Port Manhattan is an excellent choice, boasting a distinctive flavor profile that is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who partake.
The Perfect Manhattan
Savvy sippers seeking a sophisticated sipper with a dash of daring will find their match in ‘The Perfect Manhattan’. This harmonious blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and amarena cherries strikes the ideal balance between sweet and bitter flavors. A timeless classic with universal appeal, it’s perfect for a pre-dinner pick-me-up or a sultry nightcap. The rye’s distinctive flavor profile adds depth, while the amarena cherries lend an air of indulgence.
Whether you’re looking to unwind or kick-start a night out, ‘The Perfect Manhattan’ is an absolute must-try for cocktail connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail
Experience the elegance of the Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail, a refined twist on the classic Manhattan recipe. This luxurious blend of red wine and bourbon yields a rich, sophisticated taste profile that’s sure to impress. The subtle nuances of orange peel and maraschino cherry garnish elevate this drink to new heights, making it perfect for intimate gatherings at home or serving to guests.
With its striking color and surprisingly low calorie count, the Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail is certain to make a memorable impression. If you’re a bourbon enthusiast, this cocktail is an absolute must-try.
Manhattan and Old Fashioned
In the pantheon of American whiskey cocktails, few classics hold as much sway as the Manhattan and Old Fashioned. These two venerable concoctions have been delighting palates for centuries, with their storied histories and timeless appeal ensuring they remain staples in any respectable bar.
While the Manhattan is typically crafted with smooth bourbon and presented in a stemmed glass accompanied by Luxardo cherries, the Old Fashioned often finds itself made with spicy rye whiskey and served over a single large ice cube in a lowball glass, garnished with an expressive orange peel. Both drinks have an undeniable allure that can elevate any gathering to new heights.
Añejo Manhattan
The Añejo Manhattan is a sophisticated reimagining of the iconic Manhattan Cocktail, offering a refreshing departure from traditional whiskey-based recipes. For those enamored with tequila, this innovative concoction provides an exciting opportunity to experiment and discover new flavor profiles.
The Añejo Tequila’s distinctive blend of salty, earthy notes, caramel, and vanilla seamlessly integrates with sweet vermouth and bitters, yielding a harmonious balance that is as delightful as it is complex. Whether served ‘up’ in a stemmed glass or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass, the Añejo Manhattan is an absolute must-try for tequila enthusiasts seeking a modern twist on a timeless classic.
Christmas Manhattan Cocktail
Sipping on a Christmas Manhattan Cocktail is like embracing the warmth and coziness of the holiday season in a glass. The harmonious blend of cinnamon, clove, allspice, and nut flavors evokes feelings of nostalgia and togetherness. As the vermouth’s subtle baking spice and licorice notes mingle with the mulling spices, the drink takes on an inviting aroma that beckons you to take a sip.
When paired with Rivulet pecan liqueur and orange spice-infused syrup, this cocktail strikes the perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings and parties.
Rosewater Old Fashioned
The Rosewater Old Fashioned is an innovative spin on the timeless Manhattan Cocktail, boasting a sweet and floral profile that’s perfect for those seeking a revitalizing drink with a twist. The incorporation of Nielsen-Massey’s Rosewater Extract infuses this cocktail with a delicate, flower-petal flavor that’s sure to charm. The subtle addition of vanilla extract lends warmth and depth, making it an excellent choice for sipping on a warm summer evening or sharing with friends after work.
If you’re searching for a fresh take on the classic Manhattan, this recipe is definitely worth exploring. Its unique blend of flavors will leave you wondering why you ever settled for the original.
French Manhattan
The sophisticated French Manhattan cocktail takes the classic Manhattan to new heights by substituting cognac for whiskey. This refined twist yields a smoother drink with a velvety texture. The sweetness of orange liqueur, whether from Grand Marnier, Combier, Cointreau, or Ferrand Curaçao Triple Sec, harmonizes beautifully with the vermouth’s vibrant ruby hue and juicy flavor profile. Feel free to experiment by swapping sweet vermouth for alternative apéritif rouges like Byrrh or Cap Corse.
With its rich flavors and versatility, the French Manhattan is an absolute must-try for those who adore Manhattans and crave novel taste experiences.
Tonka Bean Manhattan
Innovative twists on timeless classics are always exciting, and the Tonka Bean Manhattan is no exception. This unique cocktail takes the classic Rye Whiskey drink and elevates it with the addition of tonka beans, which bring a distinct flavor profile featuring notes of vanilla, caramel, and almonds.
While the use of tonka beans in cocktails may be currently banned in the US due to potential toxicity concerns, for those outside the country, this cocktail offers an intriguing and delicious experience. The combination of Tonka Bean Syrup with the well-balanced flavors of a traditional Manhattan creates a truly exceptional drink. If you’re looking to mix things up and try something new, the Tonka Bean Manhattan is definitely worth considering.
