How to Make a Manhattan

This tutorial will guide you through how to make a Manhattan, the classic whiskey cocktail featuring vermouth and bitters.

A Manhattan is one of our favorite drinks — and just so happens to be one of the earliest cocktails on record. It’s a classic for a reason!

It’s also the type of cocktail where you can really taste the liquor, so quality ingredients matter.

If you’re a fan of Manhattans like we are, you’ll probably enjoy an old fashioned as well. Check out our honey old fashioned and cinnamon old fashioned.

Here are some tips on how to make a Manhattan at home.

What Kind of Sweet Vermouth Should I Use to Make a Manhattan?

Our favorite is Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, which is relatively easy to find and tastes great.

Don’t have vermouth on hand? Try our honey Manhattan, which uses a simple syrup instead.

What Kind of Rye or Bourbon Should I Use?

Our favorite rye for a classic Manhattan is from Willett Distillery on Kentucky's Bourbon Trail. We first tried a Manhattan made with their product at the Bar at Willett shortly before our distillery tour, and it has remained a favorite.

That said, you could use whatever rye or high-rye bourbon you have on hand. Just make sure it’s one you enjoy, because the taste will definitely shine through!

We also love the making Manhattans with cherry-forward bourbon, such as the single-barrel cask-strength bourbon we picked up at Hartfield and Co. in Paris, Kentucky (pictured below).

If you’ve got a bourbon with stone-fruit or cherry tasting notes, that might be a good option for a Manhattan, even if it’s not a spicy rye.

What Kind of Bitters Should I Use?

I like to pair the rye with traditional bitters. I usually look for bitters without food coloring, such as Jack Rudy aromatic bitters.

We also really enjoyed using these plum bitters from Fee Brothers. If you have any type of stone-fruit bitters on hand, this is a great place to use them.

How to Make a Manhattan

Once you've done the work of sourcing your ingredients, the rest of the process is easy.

Simply add the whiskey, bitters, vermouth, and ice to a small pitcher, and stir.

Then pour the cocktail mixture through a strainer into chilled glasses.

A traditional, though optional, garnish is a cocktail cherry. We like the bourbon cherries from Jack Rudy Cocktail Co.