Manhattan
A smooth, spirit-forward blend of whiskey and sweet vermouth, accented with aromatic bitters. Dark and mysterious.

Base
whiskey
Glassware
Coupe
Flavor Profile
strongsweetherbal
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry, to garnish
Instructions
- 1Add whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- 2Stir until well chilled.
- 3Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a cherry.
Origin & Story
New York City, 1870s–80s
Popular lore ties it to a banquet at the Manhattan Club, though historians doubt the specific story; what's certain is it was one of the first whiskey cocktails to pair spirit with vermouth and bitters, defining the format for generations.
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