Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic34.5% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 6 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: BBQ, Charcuterie
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierMixerBittersGarnish
- 3/4 ozSweet VermouthModifier
- 2 1/2 oz BlendedBourbonBase
- dashAngostura BittersBitters
- 2 or 3IceMixer
- 1Maraschino CherryGarnish
- 1 twist ofOrange PeelGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
- Stirred over ice, strained into a chilled glass, garnished, and served up.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritBourbon is sweeter with vanilla and caramel; rye is spicier and drier; Scotch adds smoke and malt. Each changes the character significantly — stay within the same family where possible.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.BittersAngostura bitters add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters swap in cleanly if you want a brighter, more citrus-forward result. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral — it works well in spirit-forward drinks where you want less spice weight.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Manhattan?
- The Manhattan is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 34.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 239 calories.
- What does a Manhattan taste like?
- Manhattan has a flavour profile featuring Spice, Bitter, Caramel, Herbal. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Manhattan?
- Manhattan pairs well with BBQ, Charcuterie, Chocolate. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Manhattan?
- The Manhattan has an ABV of approximately 34.5%. That's approximately 2.08 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 239 calories, 6.0g sugar, 7.3g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Manhattan typically served?
- Manhattan works well as an aperitif, at dinner parties or as a casual evening drink. The flavour profile suits a range of social occasions.
- What drinks are similar to a Manhattan?
- If you enjoy Manhattan, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Manhattan at home?
- Yes. The Manhattan uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Manhattan with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.