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

Experience the sophisticated pleasure of a Bourbon Manhattan – a refined take on the timeless classic. This recipe swaps traditional rye whiskey for the rich, sweet notes of bourbon, perfectly harmonizing with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters. Served in a perfectly chilled coupe glass, it’s a simple yet elegant cocktail that promises pure indulgence.

About This Bourbon Manhattan

The Manhattan cocktail is a true icon in the world of mixology, traditionally crafted with robust rye whiskey. However, for those who appreciate a smoother, slightly sweeter, and more approachable spirit, this Bourbon Manhattan offers a delightful twist. As a dedicated bourbon enthusiast, I found myself longing for a version of this classic that truly highlighted the rich, caramel notes of my favorite whiskey. This recipe is the culmination of that desire, creating what I believe to be the ultimate Manhattan experience.

Life can be wonderfully chaotic, especially with a busy toddler navigating new developmental milestones. Finding the time for a sophisticated night out at a downtown cocktail bar often feels like a distant dream. It was during a recent trip to IKEA, where I stumbled upon these exquisite coupe glasses, that inspiration struck. The moment I saw them, I knew they were destined to hold my favorite homemade cocktail: the Bourbon Manhattan.

Surprisingly, despite my deep affection for this drink, I realized it hadn’t yet found a permanent home on my blog. This oversight simply wouldn’t do! So, here we are, rectifying that omission and dedicating a proper space to this cherished recipe. This Bourbon Manhattan isn’t just a drink; it’s a small luxury, a moment of elegant escape that you can create right in your own kitchen. Its balanced profile, marrying the warmth of bourbon with the herbal sweetness of vermouth and a dash of spice from bitters, makes it an unforgettable cocktail for any occasion.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Bourbon Manhattan

A cocktail as iconic as the Manhattan relies heavily on the quality and balance of its core ingredients. For our Bourbon Manhattan, selecting the right components is paramount to achieving that smooth, rich flavor profile we’re aiming for.

• Bourbon: This is, quite naturally, the star of our show! Bourbon whiskey, by definition, must be made from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and produced in the United States. These characteristics lend it a distinct sweetness, often with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, which beautifully complements the other elements of the Manhattan. While any good bourbon will work, I personally gravitate towards mid-price range options that offer excellent flavor without breaking the bank. Brands like Bulleit Bourbon, known for its high-rye mash bill offering a spicier edge, or Woodford Reserve, celebrated for its smooth and complex character with notes of dried fruit and vanilla, are fantastic choices. If you prefer the traditional kick, you can certainly substitute with a good rye whiskey, but you’ll miss out on bourbon’s unique warmth and sweetness.
• Sweet Vermouth: Far from being a mere mixer, sweet vermouth is crucial for a Manhattan’s complexity. It’s an aromatized, fortified wine infused with a variety of botanicals, herbs, and spices. For an exceptional Bourbon Manhattan, I highly recommend investing in a higher-end sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula. Its rich, vanilla-forward, and subtly bitter profile is truly unparalleled and elevates the drink significantly. However, if you’re looking for a more accessible yet still delicious option, brands like Martini & Rossi or Dolin Rouge also deliver a pleasant balance of sweetness and herbal notes. The quality of your vermouth directly impacts the depth and balance of the final cocktail, so choose wisely!
• Angostura Bitters: These highly concentrated aromatic bitters are an absolute non-negotiable for any well-stocked home bar, and especially for a Manhattan. Angostura bitters are a secret weapon in mixology, adding layers of intricate spice and a subtle dryness that ties all the flavors together. They don’t just add flavor; they act as a seasoning, enhancing and harmonizing the bourbon and vermouth without overpowering them. If you don’t already own a bottle, consider it a foundational purchase for your cocktail adventures. You’ll find yourself reaching for them constantly in a variety of classic and modern drinks.

Essential Bar Tools for Cocktail Mastery

While the Bourbon Manhattan is a simple cocktail in terms of ingredients, employing the right tools ensures a perfectly balanced and beautifully presented drink. You don’t need an elaborate bar setup, but a few key pieces of barware will make all the difference in achieving a professional-quality cocktail at home.

The primary tools needed are a good quality mixing glass and a long stirring spoon. Unlike many cocktails that benefit from shaking, spirit-forward drinks like the Manhattan are stirred. This technique gently chills and dilutes the cocktail without aerating it, resulting in a smooth, silky texture that shaking would ruin. A sturdy mixing glass allows ample space for ice and thorough stirring, while a bar spoon with a long handle makes the stirring process efficient and elegant.

Beyond the mixing essentials, you’ll also need a reliable cocktail strainer to separate your perfectly chilled drink from the ice, ensuring a clean pour. And, of course, the right glassware – stylish coupe glasses – are crucial for enjoying your Manhattan to its fullest. These stemware glasses are designed to showcase the cocktail’s rich color and prevent your hand from warming the drink.

How to Make a Bourbon Manhattan

Crafting a Bourbon Manhattan is a straightforward process, but attention to detail ensures a spectacular result. The key lies in proper chilling and delicate handling of the ingredients.

The Stirring Technique

Before you even begin mixing, prepare your serving glass. Fill your coupe glass completely with ice and set it aside. This crucial step pre-chills the glass, ensuring your cocktail stays perfectly cold for longer once served. For a truly professional touch, you can even place your coupe glasses in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes prior to serving.

Next, gather your main ingredients. In a dedicated mixing glass (never a shaker for a Manhattan!), add fresh, quality ice cubes until it’s about halfway full. Then, carefully measure and pour in your bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Precision in measurement is important for the balanced flavor profile of this drink, so use a jigger.

Now comes the stirring. Insert your cocktail stirring spoon and gently stir the ingredients. The goal here is not to violently shake, but to smoothly circulate the liquid around the ice. Stir for at least 30 seconds, or until the mixing glass feels frosty to the touch. This process achieves two things: it chills the cocktail to the optimal temperature and provides just the right amount of dilution, mellowing the spirits slightly without watering down the flavor.

Perfect Straining and Garnish

Once your cocktail is perfectly chilled, discard the ice from your pre-chilled coupe glass. The cold glass will help maintain the drink’s temperature.

Place a cocktail strainer over your mixing glass and carefully strain the mixture directly into the empty, chilled coupe glass. This ensures a smooth, clear drink without any unwanted ice chips. The visual appeal of a clear, amber-hued Manhattan is part of its charm.

The final touch is the garnish. A Bourbon Manhattan is traditionally adorned with a Luxardo cherry. These aren’t your average bright red maraschino cherries; Luxardo cherries are dark, rich, and impart a complex, slightly bitter-sweet flavor that perfectly complements the cocktail. Drop one or two into your glass. Serve immediately and savor the refined taste of your homemade Bourbon Manhattan.

Bourbon Manhattan Tips for Success

Achieving a truly exceptional Bourbon Manhattan is about more than just combining ingredients; it’s about paying attention to the finer details. Here are some key tips to ensure your cocktail is always top-notch:

• Invest in a Quality Bourbon: Since this cocktail has only three primary ingredients, the quality of each shines through. A great bourbon is paramount. Opt for a bourbon with a smooth finish and a well-rounded flavor profile that can stand up to the vermouth and bitters. Think about the subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, or dried fruit that make bourbon so distinct. Your taste buds will thank you for choosing wisely.
• Don’t Skimp on Sweet Vermouth: Just like the bourbon, the vermouth plays a significant role in defining the cocktail’s character. Avoid overly cheap vermouths, as they can taste artificial or overly sweet. A quality sweet vermouth will offer a rich, herbaceous, and subtly spiced backdrop that harmonizes beautifully with the bourbon. Brands like Carpano Antica are considered the gold standard for a reason, but several other mid-range options provide excellent value and flavor.
• The Cherry on Top Matters: This is a common pitfall! Many people mistakenly use bright red maraschino cherries, but for a true Manhattan experience, you absolutely must use Luxardo cherries. These Italian sour cherries are slow-cooked in their own syrup, resulting in a dark, rich, and incredibly flavorful garnish. They provide a sophisticated balance of sweetness and a slight tartness that maraschino cherries, with their artificial sweetness, simply cannot replicate. They are an indulgence, but one that is entirely worth it for the integrity of the drink. You can even try your hand at homemade Luxardo cherries for a personalized touch!
• Chill Everything Thoroughly: Temperature is crucial. Always pre-chill your coupe glasses – a few minutes in the freezer works wonders. When stirring, use plenty of fresh ice in your mixing glass. Stir until the mixture is visibly frosty and well-diluted. A properly chilled Manhattan is smooth and refreshing; a warm one falls flat.
• Stir, Don’t Shake: This is a cardinal rule for spirit-forward cocktails. Shaking aerates the drink and can “bruise” the spirits, leading to a cloudy appearance and a slightly harsh taste. Stirring gently allows for proper chilling and dilution while maintaining a silky texture and crystal-clear appearance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Manhattans

What Bourbon is Best for a Manhattan?

Choosing the best bourbon for your Manhattan often comes down to personal preference, but generally, a mid-to-high quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking neat will shine through in this cocktail. Since bourbon is the dominant flavor, you want something smooth and well-balanced.

I often suggest having two categories of bourbon in your home bar: a “mixing bourbon” for everyday cocktails and a “splurge bourbon” for special occasions or when you want the spirit to truly be the star. For a mixing bourbon that still delivers excellent flavor, Bulleit Bourbon (with its higher rye content, offering a slight spice) or Woodford Reserve (known for its sweet aroma and creamy mouthfeel) are fantastic, reliable choices. If you’re looking to elevate your Manhattan to an extraordinary level, a “splurge” bourbon like Four Roses Single Barrel or Henry McKenna Single Barrel will offer remarkable depth, complexity, and a luxurious finish that makes every sip an experience.

What is the Difference Between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned?

While both the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned are classic, spirit-forward whiskey cocktails, they have distinct compositions and flavor profiles:

• Manhattan: This cocktail is traditionally made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. The sweet vermouth is a fortified, aromatic wine that provides sweetness, herbal notes, and a complex body. It’s stirred and typically served up in a coupe or martini glass, garnished with a cherry. The Manhattan is known for its smooth, rich, and slightly spicy character.
• Old Fashioned: An Old Fashioned, on the other hand, is made with whiskey (bourbon or rye), sugar (or simple syrup), Angostura bitters, and a splash of water. It’s built directly in the glass, often muddled, and served over a large ice cube in an Old Fashioned glass (rocks glass), garnished with an orange peel and sometimes a cherry. The Old Fashioned emphasizes the pure flavor of the whiskey, with the sugar and bitters serving to highlight and complement it.

In essence, the Manhattan uses vermouth for sweetness and complexity, while the Old Fashioned uses sugar. Both are timeless, but offer different experiences for the whiskey lover. If you’re craving some delicious Old Fashioned cocktails, I highly recommend trying this Earl Grey Old Fashioned or this vibrant Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned.

What to Serve with a Bourbon Manhattan?

A Bourbon Manhattan is a robust and flavorful cocktail, making it surprisingly versatile for pairing with food. Its rich, slightly sweet, and bitter notes can complement a wide array of dishes, particularly those served during cocktail hour. Here are some of my favorite appetizers that create a perfect harmony with this strong cocktail:

• Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings: The smoky sweetness of BBQ perfectly aligns with the bourbon’s flavor profile.
• BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Salty, savory bacon and sweet shrimp offer a delightful contrast and complement to the Manhattan.
• Baked Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower: The spicy kick of buffalo sauce is beautifully mellowed by the rich bourbon.
• Poblano Enchilada Chicken Empanadas: Savory, spiced empanadas provide a hearty bite that stands up to the cocktail’s intensity.
• Southwestern BBQ Chicken Dip: Creamy, cheesy, and smoky, this dip is a comforting companion to the sophisticated drink.
• Charcuterie Board: A selection of aged cheeses, cured meats, olives, and nuts will bring out different facets of the Manhattan’s flavor.
• Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate can create a surprising and delightful pairing, highlighting the sweeter notes in the bourbon.

Looking for another unique Manhattan to try? Sip on our Black Manhattan that cleverly swaps traditional sweet vermouth for an Italian amaro, offering a darker, more bitter complexity!

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

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.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Garnish with a luxardo cherry and serve.

Cuisine: American

Category: Booze