Bourbon Manhattan
A cornerstone of classic American cocktails, this sophisticated and spirit-forward libation elegantly balances the sweetness and spice of bourbon with the herbaceous complexity of sweet vermouth and the aromatic punctuation of bitters.
35%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Manhattan's precise origins are debated, with the most popular but largely debunked story attributing it to a banquet at the Manhattan Club in the 1870s. More credible accounts point to a bartender named "Black" working on Broadway near Houston Street in the 1860s. The earliest written mention appeared in 1882, with detailed recipes published in 1884. The cocktail quickly gained popularity during the Golden Age of Cocktails, becoming a benchmark by which bartenders' skills are measured. Its sophistication and spirit-forward nature made it a symbol of American style and class.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes
Combine bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass
Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full with large, clear ice cubes
Stir with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds to chill and slightly dilute
Strain into the chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Garnish with a single high-quality brandied cherry
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Garnish
High-quality cherry like Luxardo Maraschino
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use bottled-in-bond bourbon for consistent quality and flavor
Always stir, never shake - shaking can bruise the spirits
Chill glass and use large, clear ice cubes for best results
Store opened vermouth in refrigerator and use within weeks
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Bourbon Manhattan.
4:1 Manhattan
Drier version with four parts whiskey to one part vermouth.
Changes
Reverse Manhattan
Inverts the ratio with two parts vermouth to one part whiskey.
Changes
Perfect Manhattan
Uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth for balanced complexity.
Changes
Black Manhattan
Replaces sweet vermouth with amaro for richer, more bitter profile.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Manhattan
The quintessential whiskey cocktail—rye, vermouth and bitters in perfect harmony—serving as the template for a whole family of spirit-forward drinks.
Rob Roy
The Scotch Manhattan—blended Scotch, sweet vermouth, and bitters stirred silky cold with a cherry garnish.
Perfect Manhattan
The pinnacle of cocktail balance, splitting vermouth between sweet and dry styles to achieve sophisticated equilibrium between whiskey's spice and vermouth's complexity.