Manhattan: A Bold, Classic Cocktail with Hollywood Swagger
The Manhattan is the epitome of urban sophistication: bold, spirit-forward, and timeless. It’s a drink with structure and poise, a cocktail that knows exactly who it is. Featured prominently in Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot, the Manhattan makes an unforgettable cameo when Marilyn Monroe’s character, Sugar Kane, whips one up in a hot water bottle during a covert train ride. It’s quirky, cheeky, and wildly appropriate for a drink that’s been the go-to for rebels, romantics, and raconteurs since the 19th century.
My own experience with the Manhattan was much like the scene in the film—unexpected, playful, and unforgettable. I had it at a jazz bar in Chicago on a rainy night, and the bartender handed it over with a smirk: “Here’s a drink with curves and conviction.” One sip of that deep, spicy, bittersweet elixir and I was hooked. This isn’t a cocktail for the faint of heart—but that’s exactly what makes it perfect.
The Manhattan is built on whiskey and character. Whether you prefer rye for its spicy kick or bourbon for its rich warmth, paired with sweet vermouth and bitters, the result is a cocktail that’s deeply satisfying, wonderfully balanced, and endlessly stylish.
Quick Facts: Manhattan Cocktail
Method: stirred
Flavor profile: rich, bittersweet, spirit-forward
How to serve it: straight up
Glassware: coupe or cocktail (martini) glass
Alcohol content: ~ 30–33% ABV, 25–30 grams of alcohol per serving
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon for a smoother variation)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (like Carpano Antica, Dolin Rouge, or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino)
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: brandied cherry or orange twist
Rye whiskey is the classic choice for a Manhattan—its peppery edge cuts through the richness of the vermouth. Bourbon is a great substitute for those who prefer a rounder, sweeter profile. The sweet vermouth provides structure and herbal complexity, while Angostura bitters lend a layer of spice and balance.
Choose high-quality ingredients—the Manhattan is a minimalist drink, and every component matters. For a deeper, smokier twist, try a dash of orange bitters or a splash of Islay Scotch as a rinse.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
- Hawthorne strainer
- Coupe or cocktail glass
- Y-peeler or channel knife (for garnishing)
Chill your glass ahead of time in the freezer or with ice water—it keeps the cocktail cold without diluting it further. A mixing glass allows for optimal control of dilution and temperature.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill your glass: Place your cocktail or coupe glass in the freezer or fill with ice water.
- Build the cocktail: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2–3 dashes of bitters.
- Add ice and stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Strain: Discard the ice water from your glass and strain the cocktail into it.
- Garnish: Drop in a brandied cherry or express an orange twist over the drink for a citrusy aroma.
This drink is about balance and elegance—no shaking, no bubbles, just a smooth, silky pour of old-school glamour.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
The Manhattan is bold and complex. The whiskey dominates upfront with its warmth and strength, while the vermouth brings a bittersweet herbal richness that lingers on the finish. The bitters tie it all together with a touch of spice and depth.
It’s a drink that starts big and finishes elegant. As it warms slightly, it opens up, revealing deeper notes of vanilla, dried fruit, baking spice, and oak.
Pair with rich, savory dishes: charcuterie, aged cheeses, roasted meats. For something sweet, dark chocolate or cherry desserts make perfect sense.
Garnishing and Presentation
The traditional garnish is a brandied cherry—never the neon red kind. Luxardo cherries or homemade bourbon-soaked cherries elevate the drink to its rightful stature.
You can also garnish with:
- Orange twist: Express over the drink to add a bright citrus oil to the nose.
- Lemon twist: A lighter, crisper aromatic finish.
Serve in a chilled coupe or V-shaped cocktail glass. The clear, amber hue of the Manhattan deserves to be showcased in something elegant and simple.
Pairing Suggestions
The Manhattan pairs wonderfully with bold, rich flavors:
- Steak tartare or grilled ribeye: The cocktail’s strength stands up to hearty meat.
- Blue cheese or sharp cheddar: Salt and funk balance the bittersweet profile.
- Roasted duck or lamb: Earthy, fatty dishes highlight the whiskey’s spice.
- Chocolate cherry torte: A rich dessert that echoes the drink’s key flavor notes.
It’s also a perfect post-dinner cocktail or a strong companion for late-night conversations and jazz records.
Cocktail History and Trivia
The Manhattan’s origins are as legendary as its name. Most agree it was first mixed in the early 1870s, though exactly where and by whom is debated. One popular myth claims it was invented at the Manhattan Club in New York City during a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill’s mother. While that story has been debunked, it still adds to the cocktail’s aura.
It was originally made with rye, which dominated the American whiskey scene before Prohibition. Afterward, bourbon took over in many regions, giving rise to a smoother variation of the classic.
In Some Like It Hot (1959), Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe) mixes Manhattans in a train berth using bourbon and vermouth poured straight into a hot water bottle—adding both comic charm and unexpected authenticity. It’s a wink to a drink that can be sophisticated or subversive, depending on who’s holding the glass.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Manhattan when the moment calls for something a little serious, a little glamorous:
- Evening cocktail hours
- Dinner parties or jazz nights
- Cigar pairings or dark chocolate tastings
- Movie nights featuring old Hollywood classics (especially Some Like It Hot)
Serve it neat and cold, in a pre-chilled glass, and let guests enjoy the slow evolution of the drink as it warms slightly in the glass.
Alcohol Content and Alternatives
The Manhattan is potent—one of the strongest standard cocktails, with an ABV of around 30–33%. It’s meant for sipping, not slamming.
Low-ABV alternative:
Use 1 oz whiskey and 1 oz vermouth, adding a splash of club soda over ice for a “Manhattan spritz.”
Mocktail version:
Try cold brew tea (like black cherry or spiced rooibos), mixed with a splash of cherry juice, non-alcoholic bitters, and a dash of verjus. Stir and serve in a coupe with a cherry garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned?
Both are whiskey-based classics, but a Manhattan uses sweet vermouth and is stirred, while an Old Fashioned uses sugar and bitters, usually served over ice.
Is rye or bourbon better?
Traditionally, rye is used for a spicier profile. Bourbon gives a sweeter, smoother finish. It’s all about personal preference.
Can I use dry vermouth?
Not for a classic Manhattan. Using dry vermouth results in a Dry Manhattan, which is a legitimate variation but very different in flavor.
Should I stir or shake it?
Always stir. Shaking introduces air and changes the texture—Manhattans should be silky and clear.
How do I store vermouth?
Refrigerate it after opening. Vermouth is wine-based and will oxidize over time. Use within a month for best results.
Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
2 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon)
1 oz sweet vermouth
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish: brandied cherry or orange twist
Directions
- Stir all ingredients with ice for 20–30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry or orange twist.
Conclusion
The Manhattan is the kind of drink that commands attention. It’s strong, smooth, and timeless—perfect for an evening that calls for something with a little gravity and a lot of style. Whether you’re channeling old-school charm or revisiting a scene from Some Like It Hot, this cocktail always delivers with grace and grit.
Next, we’ll switch gears with a zesty, Latin classic that’s equally iconic but a little more laid-back: the Margarita is up next.
