Manhattan cocktail

Manhattan Cocktail Recipe with Ingredients and Instructions

The Manhattan is a quintessential American cocktail, revered for its bold, balanced flavor and historical pedigree dating back to the late 19th century. It blends whiskey—traditionally rye—with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters, creating a complex profile that’s both smooth and slightly spicy. Often associated with refined, urban drinking culture, the Manhattan remains a staple of classic cocktail menus worldwide, typically served with a cherry garnish for a hint of richness.

Glass:

Martini

Strength

Feature Your Brand Here

Sponsor the "Manhattan" recipe and reach an engaged audience.

Learn How

Ingredients

1

Details

Glass: Martini
Makes: 1 serving
Strength:

Community rating

Loading rating...

Log in to rate this recipe. Log in

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a stirring glass with ice.

  2. 2

    Stir until properly chilled and strain into a chilled martini glass.

  3. 3

    Garnish with a cherry.

Ingredient Status

Select ingredients in your bar to see what you can make.

Editorial Notes

More context for the Manhattan

The Manhattan combines Angostura, Rye Whisky, and Sweet Vermouth. These quick notes add context on structure, flavor, and where the drink fits best.

Updated Dec 22, 2025 • 3 ingredients • 3 steps

Build at a glance

This version uses 3 ingredients across 3 steps. For a home bar, that makes it straightforward rather than fussy.

What to expect

Expect sweet, bitter, and spirit forward notes. Served in a Martini, the drink lands spirit-forward and more evening-leaning and keeps its structure clear.

Best moment

This style fits after-dinner pours and slower evening rounds. If you already enjoy Whiskey cocktails, it is an easy recipe to keep in rotation.

Love the Manhattan?

Use the Cocktail Mixer to find more drinks you can make with what you already have.

You Might Also Like

Negroni cocktail

Negroni

Rating...
Strength:
🍬sweet🍊bitter🥃spirit forward🌱herby

Ingredients4

  • Gin
  • Sweet Vermouth
  • Campari
  • Big Rock
Old Fashioned cocktail

Old Fashioned

Rating...
Strength:
🍬sweet🍊bitter🥃spirit forward

Ingredients4

  • Whiskey
  • Brown Sugar Cube
  • Angostura
  • Big Rock
Jungle Bird cocktail

Jungle Bird

Rating...
Strength:
🍬sweet🍋sour🍊bitter🥃spirit forward🍓fruity

Ingredients6

  • Dark Rum
  • Campari
  • Lime Juice
  • Pineapple Juice
  • Sugar Syrup
  • Crushed Ice
Rob Roy cocktail

Rob Roy

Rating...
Strength:
🍬sweet🥃spirit forward🔥smokey

Ingredients3

  • Whiskey
  • Sweet Vermouth
  • Angostura
Oaxaca Old Fashioned cocktail

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Rating...
Strength:
🍊bitter⚖️balanced🥃spirit forward🔥smokey

Ingredients6

  • Mezcal
  • Tequila
  • OrangeOptional
  • Agave Syrup
  • Angostura
  • Big Rock
Champagne Cocktail cocktail

Champagne Cocktail

Rating...
Strength:
🍊bitter🥃spirit forward💭effervescent

Ingredients4

  • Cognac
  • Champagne
  • Brown Sugar Cube
  • Angostura