The Manhattan: a timeless cocktail that exudes sophistication and elegance. With its rich, bold flavors and velvety smooth texture, it’s no wonder this drink has remained a favorite among mixologists and enthusiasts alike for over a century. And yet, despite its enduring popularity, the classic Manhattan recipe is often seen as set in stone – a simple combination of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters that can’t be improved upon.
But what if we told you there’s more to the Manhattan than meets the eye? What if we showed you that with just a few clever twists and innovative ingredients, this beloved cocktail can be taken to new heights of flavor and complexity?
In this article, we’ll explore 18 different takes on the classic Manhattan recipe, each one inspired by a unique set of flavors and ingredients. From smoky whiskey infusions to sweet and spicy twists, these recipes will show you that there’s no limit to what you can do with a simple Manhattan.
Traditional Manhattan Cocktail
The classic Manhattan cocktail is a timeless favorite, with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe brings together whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to create a rich and satisfying drink.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Cherry garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry, if desired.
Cooking Time: N/A (just mix and serve!)
Enjoy your classic Manhattan Cocktail!
Bourbon Manhattan with a Twist
This classic cocktail gets a modern makeover with the addition of a twist, elevating its rich flavors to new heights. With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this Bourbon Manhattan is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish
– Twist (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry and a twist of citrus (optional).
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Rye Whiskey Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this classic Rye Whiskey Manhattan recipe, blending the bold flavors of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Rye Whiskey (100 proof or higher recommended)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Perfect Manhattan with Sweet and Dry Vermouth
A classic cocktail that balances sweet and dry flavors, the Perfect Manhattan is a timeless favorite among mixology enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1 oz Dry Vermouth
– Angostura bitters (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and dry vermouth over the ice.
3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry, if desired, and add a dash of Angostura bitters around the rim (optional).
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink!
Smoked Cherry Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic Manhattan. Smoky cherry notes add depth and complexity to this rich, velvety drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz smoked cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering with a smoky twist)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and smoked cherry liqueur.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix, stir, and serve.
Maple Old Fashioned Manhattan
Elevate your classic Manhattan cocktail with a hint of maple syrup’s rich flavor and velvety texture.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Maple Syrup
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, maple syrup, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Enjoy your Maple Old Fashioned Manhattan!
Spiced Apple Manhattan
This Spiced Apple Manhattan combines the warm spices of autumn with the sophistication of a classic cocktail. The result is a deliciously complex drink that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– Apple slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, apple cider, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the mixture.
4. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with an apple slice.
Cooking Time: None
Bourbon and Black Walnut Manhattan
Experience the rich flavors of bourbon and black walnut in this unique twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz Sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz Black walnut liqueur
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and black walnut liqueur.
3. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Vanilla Bean Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and creamy Vanilla Bean Manhattan.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Vanilla Bean-infused Simple Syrup (see note)
– 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and vanilla bean simple syrup.
3. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink!
Note: To make vanilla bean simple syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 vanilla bean (split lengthwise) in a saucepan. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the syrup and let it cool before using.
Rosemary Infused Manhattan
Elevate your Manhattan experience with the subtle herbal notes of rosemary in this unique cocktail recipe.
Rosemary Infused Manhattan Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz green Chartreuse
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine whiskey and rosemary sprigs. Heat over low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the rosemary to infuse into the whiskey.
2. Strain the infused whiskey into a mixing glass filled with ice.
3. Add sweet vermouth and green Chartreuse. Stir gently to combine.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a cherry.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (includes infusion time)
Smoky Mezcal Manhattan
A twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, this recipe adds a smoky depth with mezcal and a hint of spice from the bitters.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz Angostura bitters
– 2 dashes of orange bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add mezcal, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Add two dashes of orange bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None
Note: Mezcal can be substituted with tequila if unavailable, but keep in mind the smoky flavor will be lost.
Orange Bitters Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this twist on the classic Manhattan, featuring the bright flavors of orange bitters.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Orange Bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey and sweet vermouth.
3. Add 2 dashes of orange bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 20-30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: N/A (this is a cocktail, not a dish!)
Enjoy your Orange Bitters Manhattan!
Luxardo Cherry Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this classic variation of the iconic Manhattan recipe, featuring the rich flavor of Luxardo cherries.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– 1/2 oz Luxardo Cherry Liqueur
– 1 Luxardo Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters over the ice.
3. Add the Luxardo Cherry Liqueur.
4. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a single Luxardo cherry.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink recipe!
Gingerbread Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic Manhattan, featuring warm gingerbread spices and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish and crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs for serving
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, ginger liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add Angostura bitters and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry and sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs on top.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a baked good.
Honey and Thyme Manhattan
Elevate your classic Manhattan cocktail with the warm sweetness of honey and the earthy essence of thyme. This unique twist on a timeless favorite is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes thyme-infused simple syrup (see below)
– Cherry garnish
Thyme-Infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 sprig fresh thyme
Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan, bringing to a boil. Remove from heat and add the thyme sprig. Let steep for at least 30 minutes before straining and storing.
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, honey syrup, sweet vermouth, and thyme-infused simple syrup.
3. Stir for approximately 20-25 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None required! Just stir and serve.
Pumpkin Spice Manhattan
Warm up with a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail by incorporating the flavors of pumpkin and spice. This Pumpkin Spice Manhattan is perfect for the fall season.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/4 oz Pumpkin Syrup (see note)
– 1/4 oz Spiced Simple Syrup (see note)
– Dash of cinnamon powder
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, pumpkin syrup, and spiced simple syrup.
3. Add a dash of cinnamon powder on top of the mixture.
4. Stir the ingredients together for about 30 seconds to chill and combine.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
6. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make Pumpkin Syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let cool. For Spiced Simple Syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 1 cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes before straining and letting cool.
Peach and Basil Manhattan
Peach and Basil Manhattan: A Refreshing Twist on the Classic Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and delicious Peach and Basil Manhattan recipe. This refreshing twist combines the sweetness of peaches with the brightness of basil, creating a perfect blend for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz peach puree
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Ice
– Cherry and orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, peach puree, simple syrup, and bitters.
2. Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a basil leaf and a cherry on a toothpick.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Chocolate Bitters Manhattan
Combine the sophistication of a classic Manhattan with the indulgent richness of chocolate, and you’ll get this luxurious cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
– 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and white chocolate liqueur.
3. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Summary
Classic cocktails just got a whole lot more exciting! Inspired by the timeless Manhattan, 18 new recipes bring unique twists to this beloved drink. From traditional whiskey combinations to creative infusions like smoked cherry and maple old fashioned, there’s something for every palate. Try the Bourbon Manhattan with a twist of citrus, the Rye Whiskey Manhattan for a spicy kick, or the Perfect Manhattan with sweet and dry vermouth for a balanced blend. Whatever your taste, these innovative recipes are sure to elevate your cocktail game.
I’m Brandon, the face behind the recipes. As a dedicated food enthusiast, I love experimenting with flavors and sharing my culinary adventures with you.
