Manhattan

The Manhattan has a spirit-forward, sweet, herbal, warming flavor profile. The Manhattan is a sophisticated stirred cocktail that dates back to the 1870s, reputedly invented at the Manhattan Club in New York City. The combination of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters creates a beautifully balanced drink that is both bold and elegant. It is the benchmark against which all stirred cocktails are measured.

A Manhattan requires 4 ingredients: Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, Maraschino Cherry.

A Manhattan takes about 5 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

A Manhattan is traditionally served in a Coupe or Nick & Nora, garnished with Maraschino cherry.

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Manhattan by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

Born in the bustling social clubs of 1870s Manhattan, this iconic cocktail emerged during America's Gilded Age when sophisticated drinking culture flourished. Legend credits its creation to Dr. Iain Marshall at the Manhattan Club for a banquet honoring presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden, though like many classic cocktails, its true origins remain delightfully disputed. What's certain is that the Manhattan quickly became the drink of choice for New York's elite, symbolizing urban sophistication and refined taste. Originally made with rye whiskey—the dominant American spirit of the era—the cocktail weathered Prohibition by adapting to available ingredients, sometimes using bourbon when rye became scarce. The post-Prohibition era saw variations emerge, but the classic formula endured. By the mid-20th century, the Manhattan had earned its place in cocktail canon alongside the Martini and Old Fashioned. Today's craft cocktail renaissance has restored appreciation for quality rye whiskey and artisanal vermouths, returning the Manhattan to its original glory while inspiring creative variations that honor its storied heritage.