Whiskey Manhattan Cocktail

A classic whiskey Manhattan is a timeless cocktail that combines rich, bold flavors with a touch of elegance. With its smooth blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitters, this drink strikes the perfect balance between strong and subtly sweet. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, the Manhattan cocktail adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion.

I have a cozy feeling when I think of this whiskey cocktail recipe because it was one of my mom’s favorite drinks.

She didn’t have a Manhattan every time she had a cocktail. This was her favorite special party drink. I remember her having this lovely cocktail many times when she had her brother and cousin over for dinner and they’d all be having a grand old time, laughing their heads off!

So, I equate the Manhattan with ‘good times’!

I still think of her when I hear someone order one. This one’s for you, mom!

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Helpful tips

• You build this cocktail in a receptacle like a cocktail shaker or a mixing glass because you are going to stir the ingredients instead of shaking them.
• A rye whiskey is traditional, but a good bourbon works well too. The better the whiskey, the smoother the cocktail.
• My mom likes her drink on ice but if you like it straight up, you can drink it in a chilled cocktail glass (martini). Pre-chill your glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice while preparing the cocktail. This keeps the drink cold without diluting it.
• Stir the ingredients with ice to properly chill and mix without over-diluting. Shaking can make the drink cloudy.
• Vermouth goes bad after opening, so store it in the fridge and use within a month for the best flavor.
• I used the Gallo brand of vermouth in this cocktail, but I’ve since switched to Carpano Antica Formula vermouth.
• A few dashes of Angostura bitters add depth, but too much can overpower the drink. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. You can also use orange bitters.
• A classic Manhattan is garnished with a maraschino cherry, but a twist of orange or lemon peel can add a bright citrus note. I like the red cherries, but you can also use a deeper red Luxardo cherry.

How to make a whiskey Manhattan cocktail

Pre-step

Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Also get a measuring glass, cocktail spoon, and glassware.

After measuring out the ingredients, add them to the shaker.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – whiskey (I used my mom’s favorite – Crown Royal), sweet vermouth, and bitters. (A)

Step two

Measure out 2 1/2 ounces of the whiskey. (B)

Step three

Measure out 1 ounce of sweet vermouth. (C)

Step four

Even though I put it in a measuring glass, you can just put 3 dashes of bitters in the shaker. (D)

Step five

Wash a few maraschino cherries. (E)

Step six

Take a cocktail stirring spoon, stick it in the shaker, and stir briskly. (F)

Step seven

Add ice to your glassware.  Some people like it straight up and in a martini glass but my mother always had it in a rocks glass with ice.

Place the lid on the shaker and strain and pour the liquid into the glass. Add the cherries on top of the classic cocktail.

Time to pick up the glass, salute my mom, and sip the drink! So good.

I hope you enjoyed this whiskey Manhattan cocktail recipe.

Other classic cocktails

• Bourbon Manhattan
• Old-fashioned cocktail
• Southern Comfort Manhattan
• Rob Roy
• The Godfather
• Dirty martini

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts 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!