Tequila and sweet vermouth come together for a tasteful and sophisticated take on the classic cocktail.
When I think of a Manhattan, my mind naturally wanders to the place itself, soaked in rain and unsolved mysteries… a lone, haggard detective sits at the back of a dark, low-lit dive bar, his shoulders slumped over as he nurses a concoction made of bourbon or rye, mixed with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters… the classic Manhattan. It’s a drink that’s been around since the 1870s, created in the borough that bears its name. How could any other version of this cocktail stand up to this tried and true legend?
Amanda Swanson is a tequila sommelier, which simply put means she’s an expert. At her home bar of Añejo Tribeca in Manhattan, she created a tasty and worthy variation of the classic drink on its home turf. Swapping out aged tequila for the rye or bourbon, Swanson managed to concoct a drink that was different enough from the original, yet still retained a lot of what makes a Manhattan what it is… golden brown with hints of caramel and toffee, and instead of the bite of the original drink, the tequila in this version brings with it the sweeter flavor of agave.
The Tequila Manhattan, sometimes called Distrito Federal after Mexico City, is a drink to savor and sip. Whenever you find yourself in a darkened bar, sitting toward the back, deep in a leather-bound booth, ask your bartender to whip up one of these. Especially after you’ve had a filling and hearty meal. Relax with one or two of these cocktails and your troubles will melt away for the night.
If you tried and liked the Tequila Manhattan and have never had the original, today is a perfect day to have one! And we here at Twist and Toast have the recipe right here for you to try out: the Manhattan.
What is the best tequila for this cocktail?
A reposado tequila, which is usually aged anywhere from two to twelve months in oak barrels, is an excellent choice to mix your Tequila Manhattans with. The cocktail’s creator herself, Amanda Swanson, has her own preferred brand… Riazul Añejo. This tequila spends two years in Cognac-aged barrels, lending a sweetness that’s not too far removed from a rye or bourbon, and mixes beautifully with the vermouth.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila añejo or reposado
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a coupe or martini glass with ice to chill it while you’re mixing the drink.
- Add the tequila, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir together, ensuring they're fully mixed.
- Empty the ice from the coupe or martini glass, strain the mixture in, and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
A stylish and sophisticated drink like a Manhattan calls for stylish and sophisticated glassware, and you can’t go wrong with a sleek and sexy coupe or Martini glass. Top your cocktail off with a maraschino cherry for that classic taste and look.
Can you use a Blanco tequila for a Tequila Manhattan?
Technically, you can put whatever type of tequila you have on hand into this cocktail, but should you? I personally wouldn’t mix a blanco into a Tequila Manhattan. Part of the charm of this drink is the beautiful brown color you get from it, and the dark, spicy, and caramel-like flavors are what you want from a cocktail like a Manhattan. A blanco is too bright for this.
Tequila Manhattan Variations
Did you try and love the Tequila Manhattan? Of course you did! Do you want other cocktails that are similar to it? Of course you do! Here’s a hand-picked selection from Twist & Toast.
- The Manhattan – The classic, the original. It’s a good place to start.
- The Perfect Manhattan – Choosing between a sweet or dry vermouth? Use both in this recipe.
- Port Manhattan – There’s no prize for guessing which ingredient replaces the vermouth in this variation.
- Rob Roy – Use a Scotch whiskey in place of the rye/bourbon and you have a drink worthy of a Scottish hero!
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