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Best Manhattan Cocktail

4.7 from 7 reviews

Learn how to make a classic Manhattan cocktail with this simple recipe! Quality ingredients and proper technique are all you need to make the best Manhattan you’ve ever had. Recipe yields 1 cocktail; multiply the ingredients to make more at once (just use a suitably-sized mixing glass).

Classic Manhattan cocktail recipe
Scale

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Fill a mixing glass a few inches high with ice. Add the whiskey, vermouth and bitters. Stir in a circular motion for about 30 seconds, or until the drink is very cold (if you’d like a drink with less bite, stir longer).
  2. Strain the liquid into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry. Enjoy.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Punch and Jim Meehan via Food & Wine.

Measurement tip: Two ounces is 1/4 cup. I like to use this stainless steel jigger (affiliate link) for measuring small amounts of liquid.

Change it up: Though unnecessary, you enjoy a twist of orange or lemon (or both, which is called “rabbit ears”). If preferred, you can serve your Manhattan on the rocks instead of up—ideally use a large ice cube, which melts slowly, rather than multiple small cubes.

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