Cherry Manhattan
The cherry manhattan is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail and is as timeless as it is delicious! With only three simple ingredients — cherry bourbon, sweet vermouth, and a splash of bitters — you can create an elegant and complex drink.
The Manhattan was my mother’s favorite cocktail and it’s grown on me over the years. So much so, that it’s my cocktail of choice now.
The dirty martini used to be my favorite cocktail to order at restaurants. That changed when I realized I could get into trouble by having more than one martini, which I always tended to want.
And now, with this variation of the classic cocktail, the delicious flavor has almost ruined my love for the taste of traditional Manhattan.
Almost.
Why? Because this recipe calls for homemade cherry bourbon, which enhances the classic Manhattan taste.
Add a few drops of spiced cherry bitters and you have one incredible cocktail.
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Helpful
Tips
- If you don’t have cherry bitters, orange or aromatic bitters work just as well in this cocktail. A solid brand is angostura bitters.
- I really like using a dropper when adding bitters because you can control the quantity better.
- It is very easy to infuse bourbon with cherries. Check out my recipe here and get a batch going before cherry season is over.
- Also, if you don’t have cherry bourbon, you can add 1 ounce of tart cherry juice.
- I use Luxardo cherries for the garnish, but regular maraschino cherries work just as well. Be sure to wash the juice off them before adding them in the cocktail. You don’t want the extra sweetness.
- You can either use the shaker, as I do for this cocktail or place your ingredients in a receptacle with ice and stir. I prefer the shaker.
How to make a cherry manhattan
Pre-step
Get a cocktail shaker, measuring glass and glassware.
Fill the shaker halfway with ice and after measuring out the ingredients, pour them into the shaker.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – cherry bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth and spiced cherry bitters.
Also, take two maraschinos out of the jar of cherries, rinse the syrup off, and set aside for the garnish.
Step two
Measure 4 ounces of cherry bourbon.
Step three
Measure 2 ounces sweet vermouth.
Step four
Place as many drops as you like into the shaker. I like 10 which ends up being 5 drops per cocktail.
Step five
Cap the shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Divide and strain the liquid between the two glasses.
Add as many cherries you want into each glass.
Let’s look at the vertical view.
Delicious!
I hope you liked this cherry Manhattan recipe. Hopefully, it doesn’t stop you from enjoying a plain bourbon Manhattan.
😉
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Cherry Manhattan
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cherry infused bourbon
- 2 ounces sweet vermouth
- 10 drops spiced cherry bitters (or regular bitters if you don't have cherry)
Garnish
- 2 maraschino cherries (washed)
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add cherry bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitters.4 ounces cherry infused bourbon, 2 ounces sweet vermouth, 10 drops spiced cherry bitters
- Cap shaker and shake for 15 seconds.
- Divide and strain the liquid between the two glasses.
- Add cherries to the cocktails.2 maraschino cherries
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
-
- If you don’t have cherry bitters, orange or aromatic bitters work just as well in this cocktail. A solid brand is angostura bitters.
- I really like using a dropper when adding bitters because you can control the quantity better.
- It is very easy to infuse bourbon with cherries. Check out my recipe here and get a batch going before cherry season is over.
- Also, if you don’t have cherry bourbon, you can add 1 ounce of tart cherry juice.
- I use Luxardo cherries for the garnish, but regular maraschino cherries work just as well. Be sure to wash the juice off them before adding them in the cocktail. You don’t want the extra sweetness.
- You can either use the shaker, as I do for this cocktail or place your ingredients in a receptacle with ice and stir. I prefer the shaker.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
wonderful!! I’ve just completed an article for a local publication on cocktail cherries…and had to celebrate with a Manhattan. The cherry infused bourbon sounds amazing!
Thanks Bernice and how fun! The cherry bourbon is soooo delicious!
Made this over the weekend and it was delicious! I love recipes with cherries, especially in cocktails 🙂
Thanks so much Kathryn! Cheers! Me too. Cherries are by far my favorite fruit.
I certainly have NOT missed going to the bar. When you can make great cocktails like this at home. Perfect for sipping on the back deck.
Thanks Gloria! I don’t miss bars either! And yes, perfect for the back deck.
I am definitely going to make this tomorrow. I can enjoy this with my wife over dinner. Thanks for shaaring.
Thank you Dennis! I hope you enjoy it, cheers!
I don’t normally use cherry bourbon in my Manhattans, but it really makes sense to do so. This is one of my hubby’s favorite cocktails, so I’m definitely going to give it a go for him.
It’s so delicious. I just made another big batch of cherry bourbon so I can extend cherry season! I hope he enjoys it. Thank you Marta for your comment.
Oh wow what a beautiful drink! Your photos are absolutely gorgeous!!! I’m always looking for new cocktails and this is something I know my friends will LOVE! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you Lori! I so appreciate it.
This is really such a chic drink. It sounds absolutely gorgeous and I’d love to sip on one this evening…a perfect way to kick off the weekend!
Thanks Tammy! Yes, it’s so yummy to sip on the weekend! Thanks for your comment.
What a pretty drink. I’d love to make it for Valentine’s Day. I’ve never had a Cherry Manhattan and since I do have the ingredients at our bar it will be perfect before dinner.
Thank you Marisa. It has really taken over my before dinner drink. I’m going to be sad when my cherry bourbon runs out, though I’ll see if they still have cherries the next time I go to the store.
I can tell this is going to be delicious! I can’t wait to give it a try.
It’s so yummy Denise! I hope you do! Cheers!
I love cherries and this drink makes great use of them! Looks delicious
You will love this Marwin. It’s so yummy with the cherry bourbon.
Woow. What a drink Inspo, I probably try that on my big day 🙂
I hope you enjoy it Imee! Cheers!