Sip on the elegant and sophisticated Perfect Manhattan cocktail and see how perfect your night can be.
It is one of the most famous taverns anywhere around the globe. The rustic charm and antiques that adorn the walls only add to the atmosphere, and the photos of all the famous actors, writers, and politicians that have eaten and imbibed here further the establishment’s reputation. The cocktails, too, are somewhat well-known.
The barkeep is a pro, and world-renowned. Tonight, they felt an electric charge in the air, as though a difficult customer was destined to walk through the front doors any minute, demanding satisfaction of a probably impossible kind. And suddenly, it happened. That patron did indeed burst in and looked none too happy either.
They angrily slapped their hand down on the bar. The mixologist behind it looked unfazed and smiled politely.
“I want a drink. The best drink!”, the stranger bellowed. “I want it here, and I want it now!”
Without skipping a beat, the bartender quickly produced what looked to be a classic Manhattan… but this was something else. They explained it was made with an even split of dry and sweet vermouths. The grumpy drinker took a sip… and their face immediately lightened up, becoming all smiles and twinkles in their eyes. They happily exclaimed one word out loud.
“Perfect!”
Which is exactly what tonight’s cocktail is… A Perfect Manhattan.
What is the best alcohol to use in a Perfect Manhattan?
You choose either rye whiskey or bourbon when selecting the spirit for this drink. A rye will be a little spicier and have a more heated edge on the finish, whereas bourbon will be smoother, smokier and have sweet notes of caramel and oak. For the vermouth, I usually choose a Dolin for the dry and a Carpano Antica Formula for the sweet. The latter is a pricier product, but once you taste it, you’ll never choose another.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye or bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 1 to 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour in the whiskey, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and add the bitters.
- Stir gently for about 30 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Chill a coupe in your freezer for up to 30 minutes before serving, or as you’re preparing your cocktail, fill the glass with ice and then dump it before pouring your beverage in. Garnish with a maraschino cherry on top.
What makes this Manhattan perfect?
While it’s debatable to say that any cocktail can be considered “perfect”, there have been more times than I can count when I’ve declared that what I was drinking was indeed perfect. In this recipe, the even mix of sweet and dry vermouth brings to each sip “the best of both worlds”, in terms of the vermouth that’s used. Oftentimes, this blend of styles splits the difference, resulting in something that can be considered exquisite and exemplary.
Other Manhattan variations worth trying
After enjoying a Perfect Manhattan or two, perhaps you’ve given some thought to other like-minded libations. Twist & Toast has a fine selection of polished and urbane cocktails that you and your friends can sip on this evening. Try out these debonair drams to see what other Manhattans might strike your fancy.
- Black Manhattan – This version is dark, mysterious and beautifully bitter.
- Tequila Manhattan – Southwestern flavor comes to the city in this satisfying sipper.
- Dry Manhattan – Here’s a crisp and robust cocktail to help you wind down this evening.
- Rum Manhattan – This tropically-tinged tipple is both spicy and atmospheric.
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