Manhattan Cocktail Recipe: A Toast to Timeless Elegance

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 2 oz (60 ml) rye whiskey (or bourbon, if you prefer it sweeter)

• 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth

• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Ice

Garnish:

• Maraschino cherry (classic)

• Optional: a twist of orange peel

Equipment Needed:

• Mixing glass

• Bar spoon

• Jigger or measuring tool

• Strainer

• Coupe glass or small martini glass

Instructions:

1. Chill your glass:

   • Place your coupe or martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you mix.

2. Mix the cocktail:

   • In a mixing glass, combine:

     • 2 oz rye whiskey

     • 1 oz sweet vermouth

     • 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters

   • Add plenty of ice and stir gently for about 20–30 seconds until the drink is well chilled and slightly diluted.

3. Strain and serve:

   • Discard the ice from your serving glass.

   • Strain the chilled cocktail into the glass.

4. Garnish:

   • Drop in a maraschino cherry or express an orange twist over the drink, then discard or drop it in for extra aroma.

Tips for the Perfect Manhattan:

• Rye whiskey gives a drier, spicier Manhattan; bourbon gives a richer, sweeter flavor.

• Use fresh, high-quality vermouth and keep it refrigerated after opening.

• Stir, don’t shake—shaking can make the Manhattan too frothy and over-diluted.

• If you prefer a slightly lighter version, you can make a Perfect Manhattan by using ½ oz sweet vermouth + ½ oz dry vermouth instead of just sweet vermouth.