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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:

• 60ml rye whisky or bourbon. We recommend Woodford Reserve Rye or Buffalo Trace Bourbon as great options.

• 30ml sweet vermouth like Dolin Vermouth Rouge

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Ice

• Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Method:

1. Add the whisky, vermouth and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.

2. Stir until well chilled - around 30 seconds should do it.

3. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

4. 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:

• Perfect Manhattan: Use half sweet vermouth and half dry vermouth for a drier, more balanced profile. Dolin do both!

• 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.