Classic Bourbon Manhattan co*cktail Recipe (2024)

You only need three main ingredients to make this classic bourbon Manhattan co*cktail recipe at home. Jump to the Bourbon Manhattan co*cktail Recipe or read on to see our tips for making it.

You’ll need bourbon, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters. Then, if you want, finish it off with orange peel and a maraschino cherry for garnish.

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How to Make a Manhattan at Home

Not long ago, we sat and watched as a young mixologist painstakingly made us his take on a Manhattan. House-made bitters and vermouth were added. He stirred, never shook and the precision with which he used his personal zester, one that he has had for years was mesmerizing.

At home, we don’t make our own vermouth or bitters, not that we would want to (read: it would be pretty cool, though). Leaving the house-made stuff to the pros, we, instead, make this simple bourbon heavy recipe.

Recipe updated, originally posted February2012. Since posting this in 2012, we have tweaked the recipe to be more clear. – Adam and Joanne

Classic Bourbon Manhattan co*cktail Recipe

You only need three main ingredients to make this classic bourbon Manhattan at home. You’ll need bourbon, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters. Then, if you want, finish it off with orange peel and a maraschino cherry for garnish.

Makes 1 drink

Nutrition Per Serving Serving Size 1 co*cktail / Calories 239 / Protein 0 g / Carbohydrate 6 g / Dietary Fiber 0 g / Total Sugars 5 g / Total Fat 0 g / Saturated Fat 0 g / Cholesterol 0 mg / Sodium 5 mg

AUTHOR: Adam and Joanne Gallagher

• Lucy Garcia-StoreyMay 7, 2018, 10:38 pm

  I love me a great Classic Manhattan but NEVER with a Red No. 3 cherry. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are the way to go. If you’ve never had them, ya need to. Also, I give a couple extra shakes of the bitters.

  Reply
  • Joy MartinOctober 15, 2020, 1:35 pm

    I agree that Luxado cherries are THE WAY TO GO! Nothing better in a Manhattan or a Rob Roy!

    Reply
• JoeOctober 29, 2017, 4:27 pm

  I’m a classic gin martini guy. But that looks so good I’m going to the liquor store and buy everything to make one !

  Reply
  • Lucy Garcia-StoreyMay 7, 2018, 10:23 pm

    I totally agree with you on the Classic Gin martini but I’m really enjoying these Manhattans as of late. Cheers Joe!

    Reply
    • CindyOctober 10, 2020, 6:19 pm

      So, I’ve always been a classic gin martini girl, my dear husband turned me on to g&t’s for summer ( so refreshing!) and my sweet dad taught me a Manhattan just like this for winter (to warm the soul ?).

      Reply
• CamilleJanuary 11, 2017, 7:32 pm

  Great recipe. Got hooked last year in Manhattan. Also had a Gotham there. It’s a Manhattan with a 1/2oz of Kalhua added. Super yum

  Reply
• www.so.clApril 25, 2016, 11:04 pm

  I savour, cause I discovered exactly what I used to
  be looking for. You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt!
  God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  Reply
• Cubby UrungusJuly 1, 2014, 10:21 pm

  I went to Spec’s and they had all kind of flavored bitters except plain bitters. I bought the lemon flavor. Could’ve had peach, lime, orange, cherry (which cost more?).
  But I went with lemon. No regrets. Doesn’t really matter what the flavor, gotta have bitters in there somewhere.
  Not. A. Purist.

  Reply
• Rich bauterDecember 22, 2013, 11:22 pm

  Manhattans

  I love my Manhattan but find it more satisfying without adding bitters. I use Wild Turkey 101, sweet vermouth and mariachio cherry and a drop of cherry juice.

  Is there a specific name for a Manhattan without bitters as I describe?

  Rich BAUTER

  Reply
• JohnAugust 27, 2012, 8:40 am

  You can never go wrong with the classics.

  Reply
  • AdamAugust 30, 2012, 11:47 am

    John — no kidding!

    Reply
• EricaMarch 1, 2012, 11:02 am

  Love this recipe. I hate sugary co*cktails, so anything with bitters is a must-try for me. Bonus: very sophisticated!

  Reply
• Elen GreyFebruary 29, 2012, 3:02 pm

  That looks divine. I haven’t had a Manhattan in some time. Now, I’m thinking I need to correct that. I’m printing!

  Reply
  • AdamFebruary 29, 2012, 8:41 pm

    Enjoy!

    Reply