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.