A Manhattan is a classic cocktail that was likely invented in the mid-1800s. The origins of the cocktail are debated, but not the recipe. It comprises Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, and Bitters with a maraschino cherry as a garnish.

The Manhattan, as well as the espresso and lemon drop martini, are our favorite classic cocktails.

Manhattan cocktail garnished with a cherry

The Manhattan is a classic spirit-forward cocktail with a 2 to 1 ratio of Rye Whiskey to Sweet Vermouth.

What you need to make a Manhattan Cocktail

ingredients to make a Manhattan cocktail

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The ingredients of a Manhattan Cocktail are simple but timeless.

Rye Whiskey is the main ingredient in a Manhattan Cocktail. It is made from at least 51 percent rye grain and aged in new oak barrels, producing a spicy and fruity whiskey. One can substitute bourbon whiskey for a sweeter and more mellow drink. If the rye whiskey is substituted with scotch whiskey, it makes a Rob Roy cocktail.
Sweet Vermouth is a fortified wine
Bitters – Angostura is the bitters traditionally used in this cocktail. It adds herbal notes and a bittersweet twang to the cocktail.
Garnish – Maraschino Cherries are a classic garnish for this cocktail. To elevate your drinking experience, I would recommend

Cocktail Supplies

How to Make a Manhattan Cocktail

Fill a stemmed cocktail glass with ice. It can be a Nick & Nora or Martini glass. A rocks glass could also be used; however, this drink is served neat, so stemmed glasses are more traditional and elegant.

Add rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters to a cup.

pouring sweet vermouth over rye whiskey in a graduated glass

Add ice to the cocktail and stir clockwise with a bar spoon until chilled. For some zing, add pieces of lemon peel to the mixture.

Manhattan cocktail in a glass with ice and a spoon

Pour through a cocktail strainer into a freezing-cold cocktail glass.

pouring a Manhattan cocktail into a glass through a cocktail strainer

Garnish with a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick or lemon twist straight in the glass. I recommend brandied cherries because they taste amazing and are more sophisticated than bright red maraschino cherries! But both options are perfectly fine. A cocktail recipe is just a framework and you can tweak things to fit your preferences.