Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Rye whiskey: A type of whiskey made primarily from rye grain, known for its spicy and robust flavor.

Sweet vermouth: A fortified wine flavored with various botanicals, adding sweetness and complexity to the cocktail.

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

Maraschino cherry: A preserved, sweet cherry used as a garnish, providing a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.

When preparing a Manhattan cocktail, it's crucial to use a mixing glass rather than shaking the ingredients. Stirring the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and angostura bitters with ice ensures a smoother, more refined drink by minimizing dilution and preserving the integrity of the spirits.

• 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 cocktail.

• sweet vermouth - Substitute with dry vermouth: Dry vermouth will make the cocktail less sweet and more herbaceous, providing a different flavor balance.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters add a citrusy note that complements the whiskey and vermouth, offering a fresh take on the classic recipe.

• maraschino cherry - Substitute with lemon twist: A lemon twist adds a zesty aroma and a touch of acidity, which can brighten up the drink.

• To store your Manhattan cocktail, pour any leftover mixture into a clean, airtight container. A glass bottle with a tight seal works best to maintain the flavors and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Keep the container in the refrigerator. The cocktail will stay fresh for up to a week, but for the best taste, consume it within 3-4 days.
• If you want to prepare a batch ahead of time, mix the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and angostura bitters together and store them in the fridge. Add the ice and stir just before serving to ensure the drink remains well-chilled and properly diluted.
• For freezing, pour the cocktail mixture into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. These cocktail cubes can be stored for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, place a few cocktail cubes in a glass and let them melt slightly before sipping. This method ensures your Manhattan remains cold without additional dilution.
• Always garnish with a fresh maraschino cherry just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and appearance.

• Pour the Manhattan cocktail into a heat-resistant glass or container.
• Place the container in a bowl of warm water, ensuring the water level is below the rim of the container to prevent any water from mixing with the cocktail.
• Allow the cocktail to gently warm up for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Alternatively, if you have a sous-vide machine, set it to a low temperature (around 120°F) and immerse the sealed container with the cocktail in the water bath for a few minutes.
• Avoid using a microwave, as it can unevenly heat the cocktail and alter its delicate balance of flavors.
• Once warmed, strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a fresh maraschino cherry.

• Mixing glass: A vessel used to combine and chill the ingredients of the cocktail.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir the cocktail ingredients thoroughly.

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

• Strainer: A device used to strain the mixed cocktail into the serving glass, keeping the ice behind.

• Martini glass: The serving glass for the Manhattan cocktail, typically chilled beforehand.

• Ice: Used to chill the ingredients in the mixing glass.

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

Pre-chill your glassware: Keep your martini glass in the freezer to save time on chilling it later.

Batch your ingredients: Measure out the rye whiskey and sweet vermouth in advance for quick assembly.

Use a jigger: A jigger ensures precise measurements, speeding up the mixing process.

Ready your garnish: Have maraschino cherries prepped and ready to go.

Organize your bar tools: Keep your mixing glass, strainer, and bar spoon within easy reach.