Manhattan
Manhattan [Empire State of Mind Remix]
Classic whiskey cocktail with sweet vermouth and bitters that delivers sophisticated complexity in every sip. This is timeless elegance that honors the golden age of cocktails with perfect balance and bold character.
Makes
Serves 1
Total Time
5 min (5 min prep)
Ingredients
Core Cocktail:
2 oz (60ml) rye whiskey or bourbon
1 oz (30ml) sweet vermouth
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice for stirring
For Garnish:
1 Luxardo cherry or maraschino cherry
Orange peel (optional)
Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)
Use digestive bitters made with herbs like gentian, dandelion, or artichoke for additional digestive benefits and liver support. Consider Swedish bitters for a complex herbal blend that aids digestion. Add a small piece of candied ginger as garnish for digestive support and warming spice. Choose organic rye whiskey for fewer additives and potential gut-irritating compounds.
Remix Options
Whiskey Variations: Rye whiskey for spice and bite, bourbon for sweetness and vanilla notes, or Canadian whisky for smoothness. Vermouth Adjustments: 3:1 ratio for drier Manhattan, 2:1 for classic, or 1.5:1 for sweeter version; try Carpano Antica or Dolin Rouge for premium options. Bitters Exploration: Orange bitters for citrus notes, cherry bitters for fruit enhancement, or walnut bitters for nutty complexity. Perfect Manhattan: Use half sweet and half dry vermouth for balanced complexity. Rob Roy: Substitute Scotch whisky for Scottish variation with smoky character. Smoking Method: Use cedar plank or wood chips to add aromatic smoke before serving. Temperature Variations: Serve on the rocks over large ice cube for slower dilution, or neat at room temperature. Garnish Upgrades: Brandied cherry, cocktail onion for Gibson-style, or expressed orange peel oils.
Good To Know
Stirring Technique: Always stir, never shake – stirring maintains the silky texture and prevents clouding while achieving proper dilution and temperature. Vermouth Quality: Fresh, high-quality vermouth makes all the difference – store opened bottles in refrigerator and use within 3-4 weeks for best flavor. Glass Selection: Chilled coupe or martini glass showcases the cocktail’s elegance, while rocks glass works for on-the-rocks service. Ice Importance: Use large, dense ice cubes that melt slowly to avoid over-dilution during stirring process. Whiskey Choice: Rye whiskey provides spicy backbone that stands up to vermouth, while bourbon offers sweeter, vanilla-forward profile. Bitters Balance: Start with 2 dashes and adjust to taste – bitters should complement, not overpower the whiskey-vermouth harmony. Temperature Perfect: Serve immediately after straining to maintain optimal 28-32°F (-2 to 0°C) serving temperature. Garnish Purpose: Luxardo cherry adds subtle sweetness and visual appeal, while orange peel oils enhance aromatic experience. Storage Tips: Pre-batch larger quantities and store in freezer for instant cocktails – add 25% water to account for dilution.
steps
Chill:
Place coupe or martini glass in freezer for 10 minutes, or fill with ice water to chill while preparing cocktail. A cold glass is essential for temperature maintenance.
Combine:
Add rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters to mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Fill with large ice cubes, leaving room for stirring.
Stir:
Stir gently but steadily for 30-45 seconds using bar spoon, maintaining smooth circular motion to properly chill and dilute without creating bubbles or cloudiness.
Strain:
Empty ice from chilled glass if using ice water method. Strain cocktail through Hawthorne strainer into the chilled glass, ensuring smooth pour.
Garnish:
Drop Luxardo cherry into glass or spear on cocktail pick. If using orange peel, express oils over drink by twisting peel, then either discard or add to glass.
Serve:
Present immediately while perfectly chilled. The Manhattan is best enjoyed slowly, allowing the complex flavors to develop on the palate with each sip.