Name: Perfect Manhattan
Prep time: 3 min
Yield: 1 Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz Rye Whiskey or Bourbon; 0.5 oz Sweet Vermouth; 0.5 oz Dry Vermouth; 2 dashes Aromatic Bitters; Maraschino Cherry, for garnish

Everything You Need to Know About the Perfect Manhattan

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail any amateur mixologist should be able to whip up with ease. While many debate the perfect Manhattan recipe, a "Perfect Manhattan" is an entirely different animal. Well, not entirely different. The basics remain American whiskey (traditionally rye though bourbon works too) + vermouth + bitters + a Maraschino cherry garnish. What sets it apart, however, is what makes it perfect - that is equal or "perfect" measures of sweet and dry vermouth. If you've been looking for a way to make your Manhattan new again, the Perfect Manhattan is the perfect choice.

Perfect Manhattan

Prep Time3 min

Yield1 Cocktail

Base SpiritRye Whiskey or Bourbon

Ingredients

2 oz Rye Whiskey or Bourbon
0.5 oz Sweet Vermouth
0.5 oz Dry Vermouth
2 dashes Aromatic Bitters
Maraschino Cherry, for garnish

The Perfect Manhattan Makes An Old Favorite Feel New Again

Instructions

Add whiskey, sweet and dry vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir until thoroughly chilled, approximately 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a quality Maraschino cherry.

Pro Tip

The ratio of whiskey to vermouths can be slightly adjusted to personal preference, though the "perfect" designation implies the equal split of sweet and dry vermouth.

Perfect Manhattan Riff

Use an amaro instead of sweet vermouth to introduce notes of bittersweet caramel, citrus, and espresso. Splitting the base between rye and bourbon gives you the best of both worlds: the peppery bite of rye cuts through, while bourbon brings a smooth, vanilla-forward finish.

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The Perfect Manhattan Makes An Old Favorite Feel New Again

Everything You Need to Know About the Perfect Manhattan