The Manhattan is one of those cocktails that never goes out of style. Smooth, rich and just the right amount of bitter, it’s a drink that means business. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or dressing up for a night in, the Manhattan brings that old-school sophistication with barely any effort.
With just three key ingredients, this cocktail is all about balance - strong whisky, sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters. It’s the kind of drink that rewards good spirits, a bit of stirring, and a nice glass to serve it in.
How to Make a Manhattan
Ingredients:
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60ml rye whisky or bourbon. We recommend Woodford Reserve Rye or Buffalo Trace Bourbon as great options.
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30ml sweet vermouth like Dolin Vermouth Rouge
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2 dashes Angostura bitters
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Ice
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Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Method:
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Add the whisky, vermouth and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
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Stir until well chilled - around 30 seconds should do it.
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Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
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Garnish with a maraschino cherry, and enjoy.
Manhattan Cocktail Variations
There’s a reason the Manhattan has stuck around since the 1800s - but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own. Here are a couple of easy tweaks to try:
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Perfect Manhattan: Use half sweet vermouth and half dry vermouth for a drier, more balanced profile. Dolin do both!
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Smoky Manhattan: Sub in a smoky Scotch or peated whisky for a deeper, earthier flavour.
Tips for the Best Manhattan
Use good quality spirits - there’s nowhere to hide in a drink this simple. A bold rye whisky will give a spicier kick, while bourbon will lean sweeter and smoother. Keep your vermouth fresh by storing it in the fridge and don’t skip the cherry - it’s more than just a garnish.
The Manhattan is proof that sometimes, less really is more. Stir one up next time you want a cocktail with character.
