The Brandy Manhattan: Spirit-Forward Sophistication in a Glass

The Brandy Manhattan takes everything we love about the original Manhattan and wraps it in a warmer, smoother, fruit-forward profile. Where the classic version leans into the spice and grain of rye or bourbon, this elegant variation swaps in brandy, bringing lush notes of dried fruit, caramel, and a gentle sweetness. It’s a refined, comforting drink—smoother around the edges, yet equally worthy of sipping slowly and with intention.

Though it’s not as widely known outside certain regions, the Brandy Manhattan has long been a favorite in parts of the Midwest, especially Wisconsin, where brandy-based cocktails are more common than their whiskey counterparts. If the traditional Manhattan feels too bold or dry for your palate, this version may be your ideal entry point into stirred, spirit-forward cocktails. And if you’re already a fan of brandy, then you’re in for a treat: this is the brandy lover’s Manhattan.

I discovered the Brandy Manhattan at a supper club in Madison, where it was served on the rocks with a cherry and a touch of orange oil. That first sip was like tasting the cocktail equivalent of a jazz standard—classic, smooth, and full of quiet confidence.

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Quick Facts: Brandy Manhattan

Method: stirred
Flavor profile: smooth, rich, slightly sweet
How to serve it: up or on the rocks
Glassware: coupe or double old fashioned glass
Alcohol content: ~26–28% ABV, ~22–24 grams of alcohol per serving

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Ingredients

• 2 oz brandy
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Garnish: maraschino cherry or orange twist
• Ice (for stirring or serving)

Notes on Ingredients:

Brandy:
The star of this variation. Choose a smooth, fruit-forward brandy. In the Midwest, Korbel is traditional. You could also use:

• Christian Brothers
• Cognac (for a luxe version)
• Apple or pear brandy (for a seasonal twist)

Sweet Vermouth:
Balancing the fruitiness of brandy with spice and herbaceous depth, a quality vermouth is key. Try:

• Cocchi Vermouth di Torino – rich and balanced
• Carpano Antica Formula – lush and vanilla-heavy
• Dolin Rouge – lighter and more delicate

Bitters:
Angostura is the standard, offering warm baking spice. You can also try:

• Orange bitters for a citrus twist
• Chocolate or walnut bitters for dessert pairings

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Equipment Needed

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Coupe or rocks glass
• Citrus peeler (for garnish)

No shaker needed—this cocktail is all about clarity, chill, and slow stirring.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chill your glass.
If serving up, place a coupe in the freezer or fill with ice water while preparing. If serving on the rocks, add fresh ice to a double old fashioned glass.

2. Combine in mixing glass.
Add to your mixing glass:

• 2 oz brandy
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters

3. Add ice and stir.
Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for 25–30 seconds until well chilled and diluted.

4. Strain and serve.

• Up: Strain into a chilled coupe.
• On the rocks: Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube or fresh ice.

5. Garnish.
Drop in a maraschino cherry, or express an orange twist over the glass and place it on the rim or in the drink.

Sip and savor slowly—this is a cocktail that rewards patience and attention.

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Brandy Manhattan is lush, mellow, and elegantly spiced—less aggressive than the whiskey version, but no less complex.

Tasting notes include:

• Dried fruit, caramel, and vanilla from the brandy
• Herbal, slightly bitter depth from sweet vermouth
• Clove, cinnamon, and spice from the bitters
• A smooth, rounded finish with lingering warmth

It’s a perfect autumn or winter sipper, though its fruitiness makes it enjoyable year-round.

Pairs beautifully with:

• Roast duck or pork
• Cheese plates with aged cheddar or gouda
• Dark chocolate desserts
• Grilled figs or dates wrapped in prosciutto
• Spiced nuts or cranberry compote

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Garnishing and Presentation

Classic and understated, the Brandy Manhattan looks as refined as it tastes.

Glassware:

• Coupe glass – for formal service
• Double old fashioned glass – for casual sipping over ice

Garnish options:

• Maraschino cherry – classic and sweet
• Orange twist – adds brightness and oils to the nose
• Brandied cherry – for a more upscale, rich touch
• No garnish – for a minimalist look that highlights clarity

Use clear ice for a polished presentation, especially if serving on the rocks.

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Pairing Suggestions

This cocktail leans warm, fruity, and spiced, making it ideal with savory comfort food and rich desserts.

Savory pairings:

• Charcuterie boards with smoked meats
• Glazed ham or pork loin
• Wild mushroom crostini
• Sharp cheeses with fig jam
• Sweet and savory roasted nuts

Sweet pairings:

• Flourless chocolate cake
• Cherry clafoutis
• Baked apple with cinnamon
• Pecan pie
• Walnut brownies with sea salt

It’s also a perfect nightcap—smooth enough to sip by the fire or as a last call indulgence.

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The Manhattan originated in the late 1800s and is one of the oldest known cocktails. Traditionally made with rye whiskey, it was considered a dry, spicy, masculine drink. Over time, regional preferences gave rise to variants, including the Brandy Manhattan, which found a stronghold in the Upper Midwest, particularly Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Why the shift to brandy? During and after Prohibition, certain regions developed a taste for softer, fruitier spirits, and European immigrant populations brought a fondness for brandy with them. It became the base for everything from Old Fashioneds to Manhattans, often sweetened further and served on the rocks.

The Brandy Manhattan is now a supper club staple, often served in large portions with generous garnishes—and always with a side of Midwestern pride.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve the Brandy Manhattan:

• Before dinner, especially with red meat or rich starters
• As a nightcap, warming and mellow after a full meal
• At formal events, in coupes with brandied cherries
• During holidays, paired with hearty seasonal fare or desserts
• At a Wisconsin supper club, of course—with a side of cheese curds

To batch for a group:

• Mix 2 parts brandy to 1 part sweet vermouth with a few dashes of bitters
• Chill in a bottle or pitcher
• Stir individual servings with ice, then strain and garnish
• Can be stored in the fridge for up to a week

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

This cocktail is spirit-forward, averaging 26–28% ABV, depending on the brandy and vermouth.

To lower the strength:

• Reduce brandy to 1½ oz
• Add a splash of cold water or serve over ice for slow dilution
• Stir longer to soften the edge

Mocktail version:

• 2 oz black tea or cherry juice
• 1 oz NA sweet vermouth (like Lyre’s Apéritif Rosso)
• Dash of aromatic bitters substitute (or cinnamon/clove tincture)
  Stir with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with cherry.

Other variations:

• Apple Brandy Manhattan – cozy and perfect for fall
• Cognac Manhattan – more luxurious, with depth
• Brandy Perfect Manhattan – split sweet and dry vermouth for balance
• Brandy Boulevardier – swap vermouth for a mix of vermouth and Campari

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a Brandy Manhattan sweeter than a regular one?
Yes—brandy is naturally fruitier and smoother than rye or bourbon. It’s less spicy, with more roundness.

Can I use Cognac instead of brandy?
Absolutely! Cognac is a type of brandy and makes a more refined version of this drink.

Is it better up or on the rocks?
That’s personal preference. “Up” is more traditional and elegant. “On the rocks” makes it easier to sip casually.

What vermouth works best?
A high-quality sweet vermouth like Cocchi di Torino or Carpano Antica complements brandy beautifully.

Why is this drink popular in the Midwest?
Cultural tradition, brandy’s popularity in the region, and the supper club scene all contributed to its enduring presence.

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Conclusion

The Brandy Manhattan is an elegant nod to regional tastes and timeless cocktail craftsmanship. Whether you’re enjoying one in a plush velvet booth or mixing it at home by candlelight, it’s a drink that brings warmth, smoothness, and quiet sophistication to your glass. Sweet enough to be inviting, but bold enough to be respected—a classic with a gentle twist.