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Manhattan Recipe cocktail in glass with garnish

Manhattan Recipe: The Perfect Whiskey Classic

The Manhattan, born in 1870s New York, often traced to a Manhattan Club party, remains the gold standard of whiskey cocktails: rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters stirred to a silky chill. What makes a great Manhattan is balance and freshness: a bold, well-aged whiskey, recently opened sweet vermouth, a couple dashes of Angostura, and patient stirring for proper dilution instead of shaking. Practical tip: store your vermouth in the fridge and rinse your mixing glass with ice for 30-40 seconds before stirring to keep the drink bright and crisp. Swing by Buffalo House Liquor and Wines for rye, vermouth, and advice to build your perfect version.

Prep4 min
Servings1 cocktail
GlassCoupe glass
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

2 oz Rye whiskey (or bourbon)
1 oz Sweet vermouth
2 dash Angostura bitters

Instructions

  1. Add rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for 30 seconds — never shake a Manhattan.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a brandied cherry (Luxardo if you can find them).
Garnish: Brandied cherry
💡 Pro tips: Use fresh vermouth — once opened, vermouth oxidizes within a month and ruins your cocktail. Keep it in the fridge. For a Perfect Manhattan, split the vermouth half-and-half between sweet and dry.

Shop the Bottles for Your Manhattan

Pick up everything you need at Buffalo House Liquor & Wines in Tonawanda, NY — same-day delivery across Buffalo, Kenmore, Williamsville, and surrounding areas, or grab them in-store.

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Bourbon Alternatives


Want more cocktail inspiration? Browse our full cocktail recipes collection, or pair this drink with our latest spirits guides. For questions about any bottle, call us at (716) 770-1230.

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