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This Classic Manhattan Cocktail Drink Recipe is quick, easy and based on the original classic recipe. If you like whisky and vermouth, then this cocktail is for you. Rye is the traditional whiskey of choice, however commonly used whiskeys include Canadian whisky, blended whiskey, Tennessee whiskey or bourbon. The choice is up to you.
The Manhattan cocktail, a True Classic
The Manhattan cocktail drink is another one of those drinks that has been around for many years (it’s thought to have originated in the 1870’s) and was again made popular by the popular TV series, Mad Men. As I mentioned in my Gin Gimlet Recipe post, Karlynn and I recently hosted a Mad Men themed party in our vintage home bar.
Side note: You can get an inside look at how the room looks in Karlynn’s latest post: How to Throw a Mad Men Party.
As part of this party, we created cocktail stations centered around popular characters from the show, Mad Men. This was one of the cocktails I made for the party and it was very popular. Here’s a look at the card I made; including the fun character profile; for the Joan Harris Classic Manhattan station. We didn’t use shakers as it would be too messy for our guests, so follow the instructions on the actual recipe card below for a true Manhattan drink.
How do you make a Manhattan on the rocks?
A non-traditional way to make a Manhattan drink is to make one on the rocks. Simply add your ingredients to a whisky glass, stir and then add ice. It will dilute the drink but some prefer it this way.
What is the difference between a Manhattan and a Rob Roy?
The Manhattan drink is made with rye whiskey ( whisky if it’s Canadian) and the Rob Roy cocktail is made with scotch. One of the staples of the Classic Manhattan cocktail drink recipe is, of course, an easy drinking whisky. Since the show focused heavily on Canadian Club as their whisky of choice, that’s what I based this particular Manhattan recipe off of. Canadian Club is a great choice for a few reasons; it’s quite inexpensive and it’s smooth enough that it mixes well (also makes a mean old fashioned).
Side note: The glasses you see above are vintage pheasant glasses and are from our vintage barware collection. We actually have quite a few of these in various styles from the classic roly poly (commonly used for the old fashioned) to pilsner glasses.
This is a strong drink meant primarily for sipping slowly (think port or similar) so use small sherry glasses similar to the above or a martini glass when serving.
How to Make a Manhattan Drink
To make a Classic Manhattan Cocktail Drink, you need the following ingredients:
- Canadian Club whisky (or your whisky of choice)
- Vermouth
- Maraschino cherries
- Angostura bitters – you can buy some HERE
To prepare, add 2 oz Canadian Club whisky to 1/2 or 1 oz of vermouth. Add in a dash of bitters and 1 maraschino cherry. Give it a stir.
Now turn on the fireplace, cozy up with your Classic Manhattan and enjoy!
Why is it called a Manhattan?
The two commonly accepted theories are that the creator was a bartender named Black at a bar on Broadway, which was also near Houston Street OR that it was invented at the Manhattan Club in the 1870’s. Basically, no one knows for sure but what is known is that the main reason it became popular to make it with Canadian Rye Whisky is that during the Prohibition years (1920–1933) Canadian whisky was available more than any other whiskey at the time. The close proximity to the Canadian border helped with smuggling rye over, I am sure!
How to Make a Classic Manhattan Cocktail Drink Video
The video above shows you how to make a proper Manhattan. It’s one of Karlynn’s favorites to sip on in the winter ( she moves on to lighter summer drinks, you know, in the nicer weather, haha!) To see all of the other drinks and the write up on the Mad Men Party, click these links below!
And there you have it! All the booze that you need for your Mad Men Themed Party!
Happy (and responsible) drinking everyone! Love you more than Old Fashioned’s,
Mike (aka Mr Magpie)
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Manhattan Cocktail Drink Recipe
- Prep Time
- 5 minutes
- Total Time
- 5 minutes
- Course
- Drinks
- Cuisine
- North American
- Servings
- 1 cocktail
- Calories
- 166
- Author
- Karlynn Johnston
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Canadian Club whisky or your whisky of choice
- 1/2 ounce vermouth (add another .5 ounce to sweeten the drink if desired)
- 1 maraschino cherry
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- ice
Instructions
- Add 2 oz Canadian Club whisky to the glass.
- Add 1/2 or 1 ounce of sweet vermouth.
- Add 1-3 dashes of bitters.
- Stir for 24-25 rotations.
- Serve.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
All calories and info are based on a third party calculator and are only an estimate. Actual nutritional info will vary with brands used, your measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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Tonia says
Hi! Could you please provide a link to where you sell these pheasant glasses? They’re beautiful and I am searching for a set for my husband for Christmas. Thank you!!
Todd Kearney says
Rob Roy
Replace rye whiskey with scotch
Glassing and icing vary
Todd Kearney says
Brandy Manhattan
Tons of variations
Obvious liquor substitute
Best version I’ve had=Chambord&hammered grapes(crushed, that might be bad slang)
Todd Kearney says
Dirty Manhattan
Replace garnish with green olive&lemon zest
Martini glass
Todd Kearney says
Sloppy Manhattan
Replace the garnish with triple sec&grenadine. Shaken
Todd Kearney says
This is also how you make a Brooklyn
But with dry vermouth
Todd Kearney says
Dry Manhattan is obvious, regular garnish though.
Arsalan Ahmad says
Such a scenic view ,looks great. Lovely.