🥃 Whiskey Cocktail
Manhattan
The Manhattan is what happens when whiskey grows up. Stirred, not shaken. Served in a coupe. Rye gives the spice and structure that sweet vermouth needs to balance against. Use a good vermouth — Carpano Antica or Cocchi Torino — not the dusty bottle that's been open for six months.
🧪 Ingredients
- 60ml rye whiskey (Rittenhouse or Bulleit Rye)
- 30ml sweet vermouth (Carpano Antica or Cocchi Torino)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 Luxardo maraschino cherry, to garnish
📋 Method
- Combine rye, sweet vermouth, and both bitters in a mixing glass.
- Add plenty of ice. Stir for 30–40 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry (not a dyed maraschino).
Bartender's Notes
Vermouth quality is 50% of this drink. Once opened, refrigerate vermouth and use within 4–6 weeks. A bad or oxidised vermouth ruins a Manhattan completely. Rye is the classic choice here; bourbon works and gives a sweeter, softer result. Stir, do not shake — shaking clouds it and changes the texture.