The Manhattan is a timeless cocktail that never goes out of style. Made with whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, this classic drink has been a staple in bars and restaurants for over a century. But why settle for just one recipe when you can try them all? In this article, we’ll explore 19 unique Manhattan recipes that will take your cocktail game to the next level.
From sweet treats like the Cherry Manhattan with Luxardo Cherries to bold flavors like the Smoked Manhattan with Applewood, there’s a Manhattan recipe out there for everyone. Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or just looking to spice up your cocktail routine, these refreshing recipes are sure to delight.
Classic Manhattan with Rye Whiskey
A timeless cocktail classic, the Manhattan combines rich whiskey flavors with sweet and tangy notes.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz Rye Whiskey (such as Sazerac or Old Overholt)
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth (such as Carpano Antica or Dolin)
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the Rye Whiskey and Sweet Vermouth over the ice.
3. Add the Angostura Bitters.
4. Stir for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This is a mixed drink, not a cooked dish.
Perfect Manhattan with Dry Vermouth
Elevate your cocktail game with this classic recipe that balances sweet and dry flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and dry vermouth.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to serve immediately.
Sweet Manhattan with Sweet Vermouth
Experience a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail by adding sweet vermouth to the mix.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey and sweet vermouth.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None required! This is a cocktail recipe, after all.
Enjoy your Sweet Manhattan with Sweet Vermouth!
Black Manhattan with Averna
Combine the classic Manhattan cocktail with the rich flavors of Averna Siciliana, an Italian amaro, for a sophisticated twist on a timeless drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Averna Siciliana
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Averna.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None required! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Bourbon Manhattan with a Twist
Elevate your cocktail game with this twist on the classic Bourbon Manhattan, combining rich bourbon and sweet vermouth with a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey (we recommend a high-proof bourbon like Booker’s or Old Grand-Dad)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
– Cherry garnish and ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon over the drink.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in under 2 minutes.
Smoked Manhattan with Applewood
Elevate your classic Manhattan cocktail by infusing it with the rich flavor of smoked applewood. This twist on a timeless favorite is perfect for those who enjoy a hint of complexity in their drinks.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Smoked Applewood Syrup (see note)
– Dash of Angostura Bitters
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, vermouth, and smoked applewood syrup.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir gently for 30-45 seconds to combine and chill.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None needed! This drink is ready to serve in minutes.
Note: To make Smoked Applewood Syrup, infuse 1 cup of applewood chips in 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar for at least 4 hours. Strain and store in the refrigerator until use.
Cherry Manhattan with Luxardo Cherries
Elevate your cocktail game with this sophisticated Cherry Manhattan recipe featuring Luxardo Cherries.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1/2 oz Cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
• 1/4 oz Bitters
• 2 Luxardo Cherries, for garnish
• Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 20-25 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with two Luxardo Cherries and an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Spiced Manhattan with Allspice Dram
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic Manhattan, featuring warm allspice dram and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz allspice dram
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and allspice dram.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with an orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, after all.
Maple Manhattan with Maple Syrup
A twist on the classic cocktail, this recipe combines the richness of bourbon and sweet vermouth with the velvety smoothness of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz pure Canadian maple syrup
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, and maple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Autumn Manhattan with Cinnamon and Clove
As the leaves change colors, warm up your spirits with this unique twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail. This Autumn-inspired drink combines the richness of whiskey with the comfort of cinnamon and clove spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Cinnamon syrup (see note)
– 1/4 oz Clove liqueur (or 1-2 dashes of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground clove)
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and cinnamon syrup.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Add a dash of clove liqueur (or sprinkle ground cinnamon and clove) on top.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None needed! This is a cocktail, after all.
Enjoy your Autumn Manhattan with Cinnamon and Clove!
Ginger Manhattan with Ginger Liqueur
Experience the perfect blend of spicy ginger and rich whiskey in this unique twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Ginger liqueur
– 1/2 oz Sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, ginger liqueur, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This is a mixed drink recipe.
Enjoy your Ginger Manhattan with Ginger Liqueur!
Vanilla Manhattan with Vanilla Infused Bourbon
Elevate your cocktail game with this creamy and indulgent twist on the classic Manhattan. The subtle sweetness of vanilla infused bourbon pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of sweet vermouth and bitters.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Vanilla Infused Bourbon
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
– Ice
– Orange Twist or Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the vanilla infused bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir the mixture for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with heavy cream and garnish with an orange twist or cherry.
Cooking Time: N/A
Rosemary Manhattan with Rosemary Infused Vermouth
A twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, this recipe combines the bold flavors of rosemary and whiskey for a unique and refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Rosemary Infused Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Ice
– Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, rosemary infused vermouth, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir the mixture for approximately 20-25 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold drink preparation.
Enjoy your Rosemary Manhattan with Rosemary Infused Vermouth!
Peach Manhattan with Peach Bitters
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of peaches and whiskey in this unique Manhattan variation.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed peach puree
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Peach Bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, peach puree, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add two dashes of Peach Bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Chocolate Manhattan with Dark Cacao
Elevate your cocktail game with this luxurious treat that combines the bold flavors of dark cacao, rich chocolate liqueur, and velvety whiskey.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 1 oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
– 1/2 oz Dark Cacao Syrup (or substitute with unsweetened cocoa powder and simple syrup)
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– Dash of vanilla extract
– Ice
– Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, white chocolate liqueur, dark cacao syrup, and heavy cream.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Add a dash of vanilla extract for added depth (optional).
6. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is ready in under 2 minutes.
Rustic Manhattan with Barrel-Aged Whiskey
This recipe puts a rustic twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, substituting sweet vermouth with barrel-aged whiskey and adding a dash of bitters. The result is a rich, complex drink that’s perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
– 1/2 oz barrel-aged whiskey (such as Maker’s Mark)
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, barrel-aged whiskey, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish!
Citrus Manhattan with Orange Bitters
A twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, this recipe adds a burst of citrus flavor from orange bitters.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Orange Bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 20-30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish!
Herbal Manhattan with Chartreuse
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Manhattan.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Chartreuse Liqueur
– 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Cherry and orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Chartreuse liqueur.
3. Add bitters and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry and an orange peel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Smoky Manhattan with Mezcal
Elevate the classic Manhattan cocktail by substituting whiskey with smoky mezcal and adding a hint of smokiness to this timeless recipe. This twist on the original combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for those who crave complexity in their cocktails.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1 cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the mezcal, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation)
Summary
Elevate your cocktail game with these 19 refreshing twists on the classic Manhattan recipe. From sweet and fruity to smoky and herbal, each variation offers a unique spin on this timeless drink. Try pairing rye whiskey with cherry liqueur or bourbon with maple syrup for a taste of the classics. Experiment with smoked whiskey, ginger liqueur, or citrus bitters for added depth and complexity. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting to shake things up, these 19 Manhattan recipes are sure to please.
