Drink More Bourbon recipe
Manhattan
A rich, aromatic bourbon cocktail made with sweet vermouth and bitters.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until thoroughly chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a cherry.
Best bourbon style
Use a bourbon with firm oak and spice so it remains distinct alongside the sweet vermouth.
Tips and substitutions
Refrigerate opened vermouth and replace it when its flavor begins to fade.
About this cocktail
A bourbon Manhattan is rich, smooth, and aromatic without being overly sweet. The bourbon brings vanilla, oak, caramel, and spice, while sweet vermouth adds rounded fruit, herbal depth, and a gently wine-like finish. Angostura bitters keep the drink from feeling flat, adding baking spice and a dry edge that helps balance the sweetness. This is a stirred cocktail, so the texture should be clear, silky, and well chilled rather than frothy or sharp. It’s a great choice when you want something spirit-forward but not as austere as bourbon served neat. Serve it before dinner, with a cheese plate, alongside roasted nuts, or as a relaxed nightcap. Because the recipe is simple, freshness and proportion matter: good vermouth, enough stirring, and a properly chilled glass make the drink feel polished without making it fussy.
Choosing your bourbon
Choose a bourbon with enough structure to hold its own against the sweet vermouth. A bottle in the 90–100 proof range is often a good fit because it brings flavor concentration without making the cocktail too hot. Lower-proof bourbons can work, but they may taste softer and sweeter once diluted. Higher-proof bourbon can make a bolder Manhattan; just stir carefully so the drink stays balanced. For mash bill, a rye-leaning bourbon will emphasize spice, dryness, and snap, while a wheated bourbon will make the drink rounder and softer. Look for flavors like firm oak, vanilla, baking spice, and a little caramel rather than something too delicate or dessert-like.
Make it your own
You can adjust the personality of the drink without turning it into a different cocktail. For a slightly drier profile, reduce the sweet vermouth just a touch; for a plusher, more aromatic version, use the full measure and choose a vermouth with richer spice and dried-fruit notes. Try orange bitters in place of one dash of Angostura for a brighter accent, or add a very small splash of cherry syrup from the garnish jar if you prefer a softer, fruitier finish. A lemon twist expressed over the top can add lift, even if you still garnish with the cherry. Keep the drink stirred, spirit-forward, and vermouth-led enough to remain recognizably a Manhattan.
Serving tips
Use plenty of solid ice in the mixing glass so the drink chills evenly while diluting at a controlled pace. Stir until the outside of the glass feels very cold, then strain into a chilled coupe for the best texture. A fresh, good-quality cherry makes a noticeable difference, especially in such a simple drink. If batching, combine the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters ahead of time, keep the mixture cold, and stir individual servings with ice before pouring so each glass gets proper dilution.
