Manhattan Cocktail Recipe (Classic Whiskey)

Name: Manhattan Cocktail Recipe (Classic Whiskey)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 dash Bitters; 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth; 1 1/2 oz Old Mr. Boston Whiskey

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A Manhattan is a sophisticated whiskey-based cocktail combining bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a smooth, aromatic drink. Its balance of spirit, sweetness, and spice makes it a timeless classic.

More like this:🏷️Equipment: cocktail glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

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1 dash Bitters
3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 1/2 oz Old Mr. Boston Whiskey

3 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Stir well with cracked ice and strain  into 3 oz.
2
cocktail glass.
3
Serve with a  cherry.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Stir, don't shake—this preserves the silky texture and prevents the drink from becoming too watery or aerated.
Use fresh ice and chill your glass beforehand; a warm cocktail dilutes quickly and loses its balance.
Add bitters last and stir gently; a single dash transforms the flavor profile—too much overwhelms the vermouth.
Quality whiskey and vermouth matter more than volume; a premium spirit elevates the entire drink.

Substitutions

Old Mr. Boston Whiskey → Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Bulleit Rye (adjust sweetness to taste)
Sweet Vermouth → Italian vermouth such as Martini Rosso or Noilly Prat Rouge (similar flavor, slight variation in spice)
Aromatic Bitters → Orange bitters or Peychaud's bitters (adds citrus or licorice notes instead of spice)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best consumed immediately after preparation. Pre-batched Manhattans may be stored in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; stir well and serve over fresh ice.

Equipment

cocktail shaker or mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger · strainer · rocks or coupe glass

Common Questions

What's the difference between a Manhattan and a Martini?

A Manhattan uses whiskey and sweet vermouth with bitters; a Martini uses gin or vodka with dry vermouth. Manhattans are naturally sweeter and warmer.

Can I make a Manhattan with rye instead of bourbon?

Yes. Rye whiskey produces a spicier, drier Manhattan; bourbon creates a smoother, slightly sweeter version. Both are authentic.

Should a Manhattan be shaken or stirred?

Traditionally stirred with ice, then strained into a chilled glass. Stirring preserves the spirit's smoothness and prevents over-dilution.

What can I use instead of sweet vermouth?

Italian vermouth (Martini Rosso) is the standard substitute. Dry vermouth will make it less sweet; avoid it unless intentional.

How do I chill a Manhattan glass?

Fill a rocks or coupe glass with ice water while preparing the drink, then discard the water before pouring. Or place the glass in a freezer for 5–10 minutes.