Classic Manhattan Recipe (Plus 7 Variations to Try)

The classic Manhattan recipe is just three ingredients — rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters — stirred and served ice-cold. Here's how to make a Manhattan like a bartender, which whiskey and vermouth to use, and 7 easy variations, from the Perfect Manhattan to the Black Manhattan.

Classic Manhattan Recipe

Makes: 1 drink | Time: 3 minutes | Glass: coupe or Nick & Nora (or a rocks glass)

Manhattan Ingredients

2 oz (60 ml) rye whiskey 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth 2 dashes Angostura bitters Ice Garnish: a cocktail cherry (Luxardo or similar) or an orange peel

How to Make a Manhattan

Chill your glass. Put it in the freezer for 10 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you mix. Combine. Add whiskey, vermouth and bitters to a mixing glass (a pint glass works fine). Add ice. Fill the mixing glass about ¾ full with ice. Stir — don't shake. Stir with a long spoon for 20–30 seconds, until the outside of the glass feels very cold. Strain. Dump the ice water from your serving glass and strain the drink in. Garnish. Drop in a cherry, or twist an orange peel over the drink to release the oils, then add it.

Why stir instead of shake? Shaking adds air and tiny ice chips, which makes the drink cloudy and foamy. Stirring keeps a Manhattan clear and silky. Most bartenders stir any drink that has no juice, cream or egg.

What Is in a Manhattan? (Ingredient Guide)