What ingredients are in a Manhattan?

3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth, 2 1/2 oz Blended Bourbon, dash Angostura Bitters, 2 or 3 Ice, 1 Maraschino cherry, 1 twist of Orange peel

What glass do you use for a Manhattan?

A Manhattan is traditionally served in a Cocktail glass.

How strong is a Manhattan?

A Manhattan has an estimated ABV of 16.69%.

How many calories are in a Manhattan?

A Manhattan contains approximately 272 calories per serving.

Manhattan

Glass Cocktail glass

Difficulty Hard

Calories ~272 kcal

ABV 16.69%

Ingredients

Sweet Vermouth 3/4 oz
Bourbon 2 1/2 oz Blended
Angostura Bitters dash
Ice 2 or 3
Maraschino cherry 1
Orange peel 1 twist of

Instructions

Stirred over ice, strained into a chilled glass, garnished, and served up.

IBA Classic Alcoholic

The Manhattan is an IBA Unforgettable classic that combines blended bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, served up with a maraschino cherry and an orange peel twist. It is one of the oldest and most respected American cocktails, blending whiskey warmth with vermouth's herbal complexity and bitters' aromatic depth. Stirred and served in a chilled cocktail glass, it represents the pinnacle of elegant simplicity.

History & Origins

The Manhattan is believed to have been created in the early 1870s, with competing legends placing its invention at the Manhattan Club in New York City, possibly to honor a banquet for Lady Randolph Churchill. It was among the first cocktails to use vermouth as a modifier and helped define the template of spirit-plus-modifier-plus-bitters that underpins much of modern mixology. The IBA lists it as an Unforgettable.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich bourbon warmth with sweet herbal vermouth and aromatic bitters, lifted by orange peel oils. Palate: Full-bodied and sweet-forward with bourbon depth, bitter chocolate, dried fruit, and complex herbal notes from the vermouth. Finish: Long, warm, and bittersweet with lingering spice and cherry.

whiskey herbal sweet bitter spiced

Pro Tip

Stir for at least 30 seconds over large ice to achieve proper dilution and silky texture before straining into a pre-chilled glass.

Techniques Used

Stirring Straining

Variations

Brooklyn

Tipperary

Compare Manhattan

Negroni

Old Fashioned

Whiskey Sour

Data verified September 2017

Nutrition Facts →

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