Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe
Boulevardier
Bourbon warmth, bitter orange, and rich sweet vermouth.
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe
Manhattan
A spirit-forward stirred drink that teaches dilution, clarity, and balance.
Edited by CocktailSteps Editorial Team
- Time
- 4 minutes
- Level
- Easy
- Glass
- Coupe
- Approx. ABV
- 29% · Spirit-forward
- Tradition
- American
- Profile
- Sweet · Bitter · Herbal
Ingredient totals
Ingredients
Amounts below make one drink. The method, Quick Check, and guided Make use these one-glass amounts.
2 ozRye whiskeyRecommended brandRittenhouse Rye Bottled-in-Bond
1 ozSweet vermouthRecommended brandCocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino
2 dashesAromatic bittersRecommended brandANGOSTURA Aromatic Bitters
1 pieceCocktail cherryOptionalRecommended brandLuxardo Original Maraschino Cherries
Measured method · one drink
How to make Manhattan
These steps make one glass. For more drinks, use the ingredient totals above to set up, then repeat this method for each serving.
- 01
Build the Manhattan
2 oz rye · 1 oz vermouth · 2 dashes bitters
Add 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes aromatic bitters to an ice-filled mixing glass.
Build the Manhattan visual check - 02
Stir until silky
Stir · 20 sec
Stir smoothly for 20 seconds to chill and dilute without clouding the drink.
Stir until silky visual check - 03
Strain into the coupe
Strain into a chilled coupe
Strain the Manhattan into a chilled coupe, leaving the mixing ice behind.
Strain into the coupe visual check - 04
Add the cherry
1 cocktail cherry
Rest 1 cocktail cherry on a cocktail pick across the coupe, if using.
Add the cherry visual check
Stir smoothly for 20 seconds to chill and dilute without clouding the drink.
AI-assisted illustration of one step. Follow the measured method above; sound is optional.Key move
Stir gently to keep the drink clear and silky
Technique note
Why this build works
The Manhattan's 2-to-1 ratio gives rye whiskey enough room to remain distinct while a full ounce of sweet vermouth softens and aromatizes the drink. Two dashes of aromatic bitters bridge the whiskey's spice and the vermouth's sweetness without materially increasing volume. Stirring chills and dilutes the mixture while keeping its texture clear and smooth; taste at the suggested time and continue if it remains warm or harsh. Straining into a chilled coupe removes the mixing ice, so the carefully reached dilution does not continue to increase during service.
Common failure points
- The Manhattan tastes warm and sharp at the first sip.
- Use plenty of solid mixing ice and a chilled serving glass. Taste after stirring; continue briefly if the mixture still feels warm or sharply alcoholic.
- The drink is cloudy and contains small ice chips.
- Stir rather than shake, then strain while leaving the mixing ice behind.
Measure or substitute
Bourbon can replace rye ounce for ounce, producing a rounder, less spicy result. Rosso vermouth can replace sweet vermouth at the same 1-ounce measure; keep the whiskey-to-vermouth ratio at 2:1.
Recipe references
These references describe the drink or its ingredients. Our measured build and teaching notes are CocktailSteps adaptations; proportions and methods may differ from the reference.
Set the station
Tools
JiggerRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Japanese Style Jigger
Mixing glassRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom YARAI Mixing Glass
Bar spoonRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Teardrop Barspoon
Julep strainerRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Premium Julep Strainer
CoupeRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Leopold Coupe
Choose your bottle
Bottle buying guide
Best fit is our default. Spend less with Smart buy, or choose Upgrade when you want more character.
Rye whiskey
Sweet vermouth
Aromatic bitters
Know the pour
Spirit-forward
A strong rye-and-vermouth cocktail softened only by controlled stirring.
Contains alcohol. Serve only to adults of legal drinking age and enjoy responsibly.
