This classic Manhattan cocktail recipe is easy to make with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Don't skip the cocktail cherry for garnish!

A Manhattan cocktail is one of Jack’s favorite drinks. Bold and sophisticated, this classic cocktail is a simple combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. According to Jack, it’s not complete without a cocktail cherry for garnish—brandied or maraschino, take your pick.

When I think of a Manhattan, I immediately picture a dark, wood-paneled cocktail bar. But lately, we’ve actually been making this classic drink at home. Easy but elevated, it’s perfect for a low key date night in.

I’m sharing our go-to Manhattan recipe below. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

What’s in a Manhattan?

The history of the Manhattan isn’t entirely clear, but it was likely created in the late 1800s at the Manhattan Club in New York City. It’s like a cousin of another of Jack’s favorite whiskey drinks, the old fashioned. Both are made with whiskey and aromatic bitters.

But while an old fashioned is sweetened with simple syrup or sugar, a Manhattan contains sweet vermouth, a fortified wine that’s infused with aromatics like herbs and spices. As a result, this cocktail has a darker, more complex flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Manhattan recipe:

Whiskey – Rye whiskey is traditional, and Jack likes its dry, spicy flavor here. His favorite brands are Bulleit and Koval. If you like, you can use bourbon for a sweeter, oakier finish.
Sweet vermouth – We like Vya (pictured), Dolin, and Carpano’s Antica Formula.
Bitters – They enhance the aromatics in the vermouth, adding notes of clove and cinnamon. We use Angostura bitters.
And garnishes – I’m happy with a lemon twist, but for Jack, a cocktail cherry is one of the highlights of this drink. Use brandied cherries or high-quality maraschino cherries like Luxardo.

You’ll also need ice for chilling the cocktail.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to Make a Manhattan Cocktail

You can find the complete recipe with measurements at the bottom of this post, but for now, here’s a quick overview of how it goes:

In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, vermouth, bitters, and a few ice cubes.
Stir until chilled.
Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a brandied cherry or maraschino cherry. I’m also a fan of a lemon twist for garnish! You could even use orange peel if you like.

Manhattan Variations

Want to try a different take on this classic drink? Here are a few ways to change it up:

Bourbon Manhattan – I mentioned this one above. Simply use bourbon instead of rye!
Black Manhattan – Replace the sweet vermouth with Averna amaro. My sister-in-law Jessie loves this variation! She describes it as more cherry-forward.
Perfect Manhattan – Use equal parts sweet and dry vermouth for a slightly drier drink.

More Classic Cocktails to Try

If you loved learning how to make this classic drink, try one of these cocktail recipes next: