Manhattan Cocktail

Manhattan Cocktail – This classic bourbon cocktail is made with vermouth, Angostura bitters, and orange peel for a sophisticated and easy drink everyone should know how to make!

Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

When I think of a Manhattan, I’m not going to lie, I think of something that my dad would drink.

Something classic, refined, potent, not sweet, and probably not what you’d see anyone on a college spring break trip ordering. Then again, you never know!

I also think what was old is becoming new again. Many things seem to have a way of coming back around and become in fashion again.

Ingredients In A Manhattan Drink

For this classic cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ice
• Bourbon
• Sweet vermouth
• Angostura bitters
• Orange peel
• Maraschino cherry

It will also be helpful to have a shaker and bar spoon. I used a glass one for the photos so you can see more clearly the contents but metal is more common and sturdier.

How To Make A Manhattan

Fill a shaker halfway with ice, add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, and stir with a bar spoon.

Strain into a cocktail glass and squeeze the orange peel over the top of the glass to release the oils before garnishing with the orange peel and a maraschino cherry.

Variations On A Manhattan Cocktail

Rye or Canadian Whiskey may be used instead of bourbon based on personal preference however I think bourbon is more traditional. 

Tips For The Best Manhattan Drink

There aren’t too many ingredients in this drink, but they are all important, including the Angostura bitters which is ideal for balancing drinks, cleansing the palate, and helping with digestion. It helps give a Manhattan cocktail it’s signature flavor.

You may have to go a little out of your way maraschino cherries that are more adult-like than the intensely bright red ones typically seen in a Shirley Temple or pina colada! 

I like Luxardo maraschino cherries but there are many brands out there. Look for them apart from online in well-stocked markets or more upscale liquor stores.

Print

Yield: 1

Manhattan Cocktail

Prep Time 3 minutes

Total Time 3 minutes

Manhattan Cocktail – This classic bourbon cocktail is made with vermouth, Angostura bitters, and orange peel for a sophisticated and easy drink everyone should know how to make!

Ingredients

• Ice
• 2 ounces bourbon* (I used Jim Beam)
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 small Orange peel slice
• 1 maraschino cherry, for garnishing

Instructions

1. In a shaker filled halfway with ice, add the bourbon, vermouth, and bitters. Stir with a bar spoon for 15 to 20 seconds.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass and squeeze the orange peel over the top of the glass to release the oil.
3. Garnish and serve with the orange peel and a maraschino cherry. Recipe is intended for those for whom alcohol is legal and appropriate.

Notes

* Rye or Canadian Whiskey may be used instead of bourbon.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 193Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g

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