The Ultimate Bourbon Manhattan Recipe: A Smooth Twist on a Classic Cocktail

The Bourbon Manhattan stands out as a truly exceptional cocktail experience, offering a delightful twist on a beloved classic. While traditional Manhattan recipes call for rye whiskey, my personal preference leans towards the rich, smooth character of bourbon. This nuanced choice perfectly complements the sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters, culminating in a drink that is both comforting and sophisticated. Served in a perfectly chilled coupe glass and garnished with a luxurious cherry, it’s an irresistible indulgence for any cocktail enthusiast.

About This Bourbon Manhattan

For those familiar with the timeless elegance of a classic Manhattan cocktail, the traditional recipe typically calls for a robust rye whiskey. However, my palate has always gravitated towards the distinctive warmth and sweetness of bourbon. I believe this golden spirit elevates the Manhattan, infusing it with a character that is uniquely smooth and inviting. This is why I enthusiastically swap out the rye for bourbon, creating what I confidently consider the best Manhattan you’ll ever taste.

As a busy parent navigating the delightful chaos of a toddler’s developmental leaps, carving out time for a sophisticated night out at a downtown bar can feel like an impossible feat. The exhaustion is real, and sometimes, the simple pleasure of a perfectly crafted drink at home is exactly what’s needed. Weeks ago, during a serendipitous trip to IKEA, I stumbled upon these exquisite coupe glasses featured in the photos. Their undeniable charm instantly captured my attention, and I knew immediately they were destined to hold my favorite cocktail: a meticulously prepared Bourbon Manhattan.

Funnily enough, when I went to look up my go-to measurements – a habit born from years of blogging – I realized this cherished cocktail had never officially made it onto the site! This oversight simply wouldn’t do. How could such a beloved recipe, a symbol of a quiet moment of indulgence, not have a permanent home in my recipe index? And so, here we are, rectifying that omission and dedicating a well-deserved space to this superb Bourbon Manhattan, ensuring its simple elegance is accessible to all who seek a touch of refined relaxation.

The History of the Manhattan Cocktail

Before we dive deep into the bourbon-infused version, let’s briefly acknowledge the origins of the Manhattan. This iconic cocktail is said to have originated in the 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City, created for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill’s mother). While the exact details are shrouded in some mystery and legend, its status as one of the world’s truly great cocktails is undisputed. Traditionally, it’s a sophisticated blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Our Bourbon Manhattan respects this heritage while offering a mellower, often sweeter, and arguably more approachable flavor profile that bourbon enthusiasts will adore.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Bourbon Manhattan

A cocktail with only three main ingredients demands that each component be of excellent quality. The beauty of the Bourbon Manhattan lies in its simplicity, allowing the individual flavors to shine. Here’s what you’ll need to create this sublime drink:

Bourbon: The Star of the Show

Bourbon is, quite obviously, the cornerstone of this particular Manhattan. Its distinct notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, often accompanied by a pleasant underlying sweetness, are what make it such a superb counterpoint to the vermouth. Unlike the spicier, drier notes of rye, bourbon provides a smoother, richer base. For a truly exceptional experience, I recommend opting for a mid-to-high price range bourbon. Favorites like Bulleit Bourbon offer a solid, balanced foundation, while Woodford Reserve brings a touch more sophistication with its complex layers. Using a quality bourbon ensures that its character truly comes through in every sip, making the drink robust and flavorful.

Sweet Vermouth: The Aromatic Companion

Sweet vermouth plays a crucial role in balancing the bourbon’s strength with its aromatic, slightly bitter, and sweet qualities. For a Manhattan, the choice of vermouth can significantly impact the final taste. My top recommendation for an unparalleled flavor is Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth. Its rich, complex profile with hints of vanilla and dried fruit is truly unmatched. However, if you’re looking for a more accessible yet still high-quality option, brands like Martini & Rossi or Dolin Rouge are excellent choices that provide a solid foundation for your cocktail. Remember, vermouth is a fortified wine, so store it in the refrigerator after opening to preserve its freshness and vibrant flavors.

Angostura Bitters: The Balancing Act

No proper Manhattan is complete without a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Often referred to as the “salt and pepper” of cocktails, bitters provide essential aromatic complexity and help to tie all the flavors together. They introduce subtle notes of spice and botanicals that prevent the drink from being overly sweet, adding depth and a harmonious finish. If you don’t already have a bottle of Angostura bitters in your home bar, it’s a fundamental staple for countless classic cocktails and a definite must-have.

The Essential Garnish: Luxardo Cherries

The garnish is not just for show; it’s an integral part of the Manhattan experience. When it comes to cherries, there is simply no substitute for Luxardo cherries. These rich, dark, and subtly sweet Italian cherries are worlds apart from the overly sweet, artificially red maraschino cherries. A single Luxardo cherry adds a sophisticated visual appeal and a burst of luxurious flavor that perfectly complements the cocktail. They’re often the reason I’ll splurge on a Manhattan at a high-end bar, and for good reason!

Essential Barware for Your Bourbon Manhattan

Crafting a superb Bourbon Manhattan doesn’t require an elaborate setup, but a few key pieces of barware will ensure you achieve professional results every time. These tools are designed to facilitate proper mixing and presentation, enhancing both the flavor and the experience of your cocktail.

A mixing glass is essential for thoroughly chilling and diluting your cocktail without adding air, which can happen with shaking. Pair it with a long-handled stirring spoon to ensure all ingredients are perfectly integrated and chilled. A reliable cocktail strainer will keep ice shards out of your finished drink, ensuring a silky-smooth texture. Finally, elegant coupe glasses are key for the iconic presentation and to allow the cocktail’s aromas to gather beautifully.

Here’s How to Craft a Bourbon Manhattan

Making a Bourbon Manhattan is a simple process, but precision and proper technique are key to achieving a perfectly balanced and chilled drink. Follow these steps for an exquisite result:

The Stirring Technique for Perfection

Begin by chilling your coupe glass. Fill it with ice and set it aside to ensure your final cocktail remains perfectly cold. Next, in a sturdy mixing glass, add ice until it’s about halfway full. Pour in your chosen bourbon, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir these ingredients thoroughly with a cocktail stirring spoon. The goal is to achieve adequate dilution and a deep chill without aerating the cocktail, which is why stirring is preferred for spirit-forward drinks like the Manhattan. Stir for about 30 seconds or until the mixing glass is frosty to the touch.

Straining and Serving with Style

Once your cocktail is perfectly chilled, discard the ice from your coupe glass. Place a cocktail strainer over the mixing glass and carefully strain the liquid into your now-chilled coupe. The result should be a clear, amber-hued drink. The final touch is the garnish: gently drop one or two luscious Luxardo cherries into the glass. Serve immediately and savor the rich, complex flavors of your homemade Bourbon Manhattan.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Bourbon Manhattan

Elevate your Bourbon Manhattan from good to extraordinary with these essential tips:

• Invest in Quality Spirits: As this cocktail relies on only a few ingredients, the quality of your bourbon and sweet vermouth is paramount. A nicer bourbon will provide a smoother, more complex base, while a premium sweet vermouth offers depth and aromatic richness that cheaper alternatives simply cannot match. Think of it as an investment in your enjoyment!
• Chill Everything Thoroughly: The secret to a perfectly chilled cocktail that isn’t over-diluted is to start with cold ingredients and a thoroughly chilled glass. Always pre-chill your coupe glass with ice water before straining the cocktail into it. The colder everything is to begin with, the less ice melt will occur, preserving the integrity of your drink’s flavor.
• Don’t Skimp on the Cherries: Seriously, Luxardo cherries are a non-negotiable for a truly authentic and delicious Manhattan. Their rich, dark, and subtly tart flavor is miles beyond the artificial sweetness of maraschino cherries. They add an indulgent touch and a fantastic visual appeal. You can even try your hand at homemade Luxardo cherries if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Store Vermouth Properly: Sweet vermouth, being a fortified wine, will oxidize and lose its vibrant flavors once opened. Always store it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life and maintain its quality for future cocktails.
• Stir, Don’t Shake: For spirit-forward cocktails like the Manhattan, stirring is preferred over shaking. Shaking incorporates too much air, which can make the drink cloudy and give it an undesirable frothy texture. Stirring gently dilutes and chills the cocktail while maintaining its clarity and silky mouthfeel.

More refreshing bourbon cocktails to sip on: Bourbon Sidecar | Bourbon Sazerac | Apple Bourbon Smash | Cherry Bourbon Sour | Paper Plane Cocktail | Bourbon Smash

Choosing the Best Bourbon for Your Manhattan

The beauty of bourbon lies in its diversity, offering a spectrum of flavors that can significantly impact your Manhattan. For true bourbon aficionados, it’s wise to have a couple of options on hand: a reliable mixing bourbon for everyday enjoyment and a splurge bourbon for those special occasions (or for perfecting this particular cocktail!).

• For a balanced and accessible mixing bourbon: You can’t go wrong with Bulleit or Woodford Reserve. Bulleit offers a high-rye mash bill that brings a touch of spice while remaining smooth, complementing the vermouth beautifully. Woodford Reserve, known for its rich and well-rounded profile with notes of dried fruit and vanilla, provides a luxurious mouthfeel without overpowering the other ingredients.
• For a more indulgent splurge: Consider Four Roses Single Barrel or Henry McKenna Single Barrel. Four Roses Single Barrel is celebrated for its spicy, fruity, and floral characteristics, adding layers of complexity. Henry McKenna Single Barrel, an aged bottled-in-bond bourbon, delivers deep oak, vanilla, and caramel notes with an incredibly smooth finish. These higher-end bourbons truly allow the spirit to shine, making your Bourbon Manhattan an unforgettable experience.

Manhattan vs. Old Fashioned: Understanding the Difference

These two iconic cocktails are often confused due to their shared base of whiskey and bitters, but they have distinct differences in their construction and flavor profiles. A Manhattan is traditionally made with rye whiskey (though we prefer bourbon in this recipe), sweet vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters. The sweet vermouth serves as the primary sweetener and contributes significant herbal and aromatic complexity. An Old Fashioned, conversely, is typically made with whiskey (bourbon or rye), sugar (or simple syrup), and bitters. The sugar is muddled with bitters before the whiskey and ice are added, making it a simpler, more direct celebration of the whiskey itself with a touch of sweetness and aromatic depth.

If you’re looking to explore some delicious Old Fashioned variations, I highly recommend this intriguing Earl Grey Old Fashioned or this delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned.

Need some more inspiration for cocktails? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with a Bourbon Manhattan?

A Bourbon Manhattan is a robust and flavorful cocktail, making it incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. Its rich, slightly sweet, and aromatic profile can stand up to and complement a wide variety of dishes, especially during cocktail hour. I always associate this drink with elegant appetizers that can truly shine alongside its complex character. Here are some of my favorite appetizer ideas that pair wonderfully with this strong and sophisticated cocktail:

• Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings: The smoky sweetness of BBQ wings provides a fantastic contrast to the bourbon’s depth, while the savory chicken holds its own.
• BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: The salty, crispy bacon and succulent shrimp, combined with a touch of BBQ flavor, create a decadent bite that harmonizes with the cocktail’s richness.
• Baked Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower: For a vegetarian option, the spicy kick of buffalo cauliflower is wonderfully tempered by the smooth bourbon and sweet vermouth.
• Poblano Enchilada Chicken Empanadas: The savory, slightly spicy, and comforting flavors of empanadas make for an excellent, hearty pairing that can stand up to the cocktail’s strength.
• Southwestern BBQ Chicken Dip: A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dip with a hint of spice is perfect for sharing and complements the warm notes of the bourbon.
• Charcuterie Board: A well-curated charcuterie board with aged cheeses, cured meats, olives, and crusty bread offers a range of textures and flavors that will beautifully enhance your Manhattan.
• Smoked Salmon Blinis: The delicate smokiness of salmon and the rich creaminess of crème fraîche on a small blini create an elegant pairing.

No matter your choice, ensure the food has enough flavor and substance to match the bold personality of your Bourbon Manhattan.

Bourbon Manhattan

Smooth and strong, this classic cocktail is made with a twist!

Prep Time:
5 minutes mins

Total Time:
5 minutes mins

5 from 2 votes

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Equipment

• Double Jigger
• Cocktail Stirring Spoons
• Viski Crystal Mixing Glass
• OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer
• Coupe Glasses

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Garnish: luxardo cherries

Instructions

• Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice.
• Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stir until the cocktail is well-chilled, about 30 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Garnish with a luxardo cherry and serve immediately.

Cuisine:
American

Category:
Booze