Manhattan

The Manhattan is a rich, stirred classic of rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitters, finished with a cherry. A proper grown-up nightcap.

Ingredients

• 50ml rye whiskey or bourbon
• 25ml sweet (red) vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Cocktail cherry, to garnish

Method

1. Chill the glass: Pop a coupe or martini glass in the freezer.
2. Stir: Add the whiskey, vermouth and bitters to a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir for around 30 seconds.
3. Strain: Strain into the chilled glass.
4. Garnish: Drop in a good-quality cocktail cherry.

Tips for the Perfect Manhattan

• Rye gives a spicier, drier Manhattan; bourbon makes it rounder and sweeter.
• Use a proper dark cocktail cherry rather than a bright red glacé one.
• Like all spirit-only drinks, it should be stirred, never shaken.

Variations

A Perfect Manhattan splits the vermouth between sweet and dry. Use Scotch instead of American whiskey and you have a Rob Roy.

Please drink responsibly. Know your limits, and never drink and drive.