Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Rye whiskey: A type of whiskey made from at least 51% rye, known for its spicy and robust flavor.

Sweet vermouth: A fortified wine flavored with various botanicals, adding a sweet and herbal note to the cocktail.

Angostura bitters: A concentrated bitters made from herbs and spices, essential for adding depth and complexity to the drink.

Maraschino cherry: A preserved, sweet cherry used as a garnish to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

When preparing a Manhattan cocktail, it's crucial to use a cocktail shaker filled with plenty of ice to ensure the drink is properly chilled. Stirring the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters thoroughly allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously. Always strain into a chilled martini glass to maintain the drink's temperature and enhance the overall experience. Finally, a maraschino cherry garnish not only adds a touch of sweetness but also a visual appeal.

• rye whiskey - Substitute with bourbon: Bourbon offers a slightly sweeter and smoother profile compared to rye whiskey, which can add a different but pleasant twist to the Manhattan.

• sweet vermouth - Substitute with dry vermouth: Using dry vermouth will make the cocktail less sweet and more herbaceous, creating a different but still enjoyable version of the Manhattan.

• sweet vermouth - Substitute with amaro: Amaro, an Italian herbal liqueur, can add a complex, bitter-sweet flavor that complements the whiskey well.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters provide a citrusy note that can brighten the cocktail and add a different layer of flavor.

• maraschino cherry - Substitute with lemon twist: A lemon twist can add a fresh, zesty aroma and a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the drink.

• To maintain the integrity of your Manhattan cocktail, store it in a tightly sealed container, preferably a glass bottle, to prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• Keep the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the cocktail within a few days. This will ensure the rye whiskey and sweet vermouth remain crisp and flavorful.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the cocktail. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to enjoy a perfectly chilled Manhattan anytime.
• When ready to serve, simply place the frozen cocktail cubes in a glass and let them melt slightly, or blend them for a frosty twist on the classic.
• Always store the maraschino cherries separately in their original syrup in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and flavor.
• If you have leftover sweet vermouth, store it in the refrigerator as well. Vermouth is a fortified wine and can spoil if left at room temperature for too long.
• Ensure that your angostura bitters are kept in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to preserve their aromatic qualities.

• First, ensure you have a cocktail shaker and a chilled martini glass ready.
• If your Manhattan cocktail has been stored in the refrigerator, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This helps to slightly reduce the chill without diluting the flavors.
• Fill a cocktail shaker with fresh ice.
• Pour the leftover Manhattan cocktail into the shaker.
• Stir gently for about 15-20 seconds to mix and chill the drink evenly.
• Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a fresh maraschino cherry to enhance the presentation and flavor.

• Cocktail shaker: Used to mix the ingredients with ice, ensuring they are well-chilled and properly combined.

• Ice: Essential for chilling the drink and diluting it slightly to balance the flavors.

• Strainer: Helps to separate the liquid from the ice when pouring the cocktail into the glass.

• Martini glass: The traditional serving glass for a Manhattan, which should be chilled beforehand.

• Bar spoon: Used for stirring the ingredients in the cocktail shaker to mix them thoroughly.

• Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure precise amounts of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth are used.

• Maraschino cherry: The garnish that adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to the finished cocktail.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure out the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and angostura bitters in advance to streamline the process.

Use pre-chilled glassware: Keep your martini glass in the freezer so it's ready to go, saving you the step of chilling it.

Batch your cocktails: Mix larger quantities of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth in advance for multiple servings, then just add bitters and stir when needed.

Garnish in bulk: Pre-skewer maraschino cherries for quick and easy garnishing.