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Classic Manhattan
4.7 from 39 votes

Classic Manhattan

This classic Manhattan cocktail is classic for a reason! Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth plus a secret ingredient that gives a little twist on the original!

Prep Time
2 mins
Total Time
2 mins
Servings: 1 Cocktail
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces rye whiskey
  • 1 ounce sweet vermouth
  • 3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 2-3 cocktail cherries
  • cherry syrup optional, a few drops, from cocktail cherries

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters and cherry syrup (if using).
  3. Stir for 90 seconds.
  4. Strain into a martini glass
  5. Garnish with cherries.

Notes

  • The cherry syrup is not traditional but gives the cocktail a slightly sweeter flavor. Perfect for people who are not whiskey drinkers or find the cocktail too overpowering. Never use dry vermouth for this drink, only good quality sweet vermouth. Some recipes suggest rubbing an orange peel around the rim of the cocktail glass; it is a nice thought but not strictly necessary. A dash of orange bitters can be added to achieve a similar effect. The perfect Manhattan is stirred, not shaken. No need to use your fancy ice for this; regular ice will do. We use ice to dilute and chill the drink before serving it.