12 Manhattan Recipes

When it comes to timeless cocktails, the Manhattan stands out as a classic. But why stop at just one version? With these 12 Manhattan recipes, you’ll find delightful twists on the beloved drink that range from smoky to sweet, spicy to aromatic. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, these variations will elevate your cocktail game. Get ready to enjoy every sip with enthusiasm!

Classic Manhattan Recipe

Let’s start with the Classic Manhattan — a cocktail that embodies sophistication. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and boozy, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir well for about 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

“Tip: Use a quality rye whiskey for a more traditional Manhattan experience!”

---

Smoky Manhattan Recipe

For a bold twist, the Smoky Manhattan brings in rich, peaty flavors that elevate the original drink.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz peated Scotch whisky
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Combine bourbon, peated Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir well until chilled.
3. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with an orange peel.

“Tip: Use a single malt Scotch whisky for a more pronounced smoky flavor.”

---

Maple Manhattan Recipe

Add a touch of sweetness with the Maple Manhattan, perfect for a fall or winter evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 0.25 oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Mix bourbon, vermouth, maple syrup, and bitters in a glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until combined and chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.

“Tip: Use real maple syrup for the richest flavor!”

---

Spicy Manhattan Recipe

Bring some heat to your cocktail hour with the Spicy Manhattan, featuring a kick of chili.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash chili bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Add bourbon, vermouth, Angostura, and chili bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir well and strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a cherry.

“Tip: Adjust the chili bitters to your spice preference!”

---

Apple Manhattan Recipe

The Apple Manhattan is a refreshing, fruity take on the original, making it perfect for autumn.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz apple-flavored bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• Apple slice for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Stir the apple bourbon, vermouth, and bitters with ice in a mixing glass.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a thin apple slice.

“Tip: Use a tart apple slice like Granny Smith for a nice contrast.”

---

Cherry Manhattan Recipe

The Cherry Manhattan offers a fruity burst of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the classic drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz cherry liqueur
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Mix bourbon, cherry liqueur, and sweet vermouth with ice in a mixing glass.
2. Stir well and strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a cherry.

“Tip: For a more intense cherry flavor, muddle some cherries in the glass before adding the liquid!”

---

Orange Zest Manhattan Recipe

Bright and zesty, the Orange Zest Manhattan adds a refreshing citrus twist to the original.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Stir bourbon, vermouth, and orange bitters with ice in a mixing glass.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a fresh orange peel.

“Tip: Twist the orange peel over the glass to release its oils before garnishing!”

---

Ginger Manhattan Recipe

The Ginger Manhattan delivers a spicy kick of ginger for those who love a little heat with their cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz ginger liqueur
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Candied ginger for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Stir bourbon, ginger liqueur, and vermouth with ice in a mixing glass.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a piece of candied ginger.

“Tip: Add a splash of ginger beer for a fizzy twist!”

---

Honey Manhattan Recipe

For a sweet and soothing take on the classic, the Honey Manhattan is a delightful choice.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 0.25 oz honey syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Lemon twist for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Combine bourbon, vermouth, honey syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir well and strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist.

“Tip: To make honey syrup, mix equal parts honey and water until smooth!”

---

Rosemary Manhattan Recipe

Earthy and aromatic, the Rosemary Manhattan is a herbaceous variation that feels perfect for winter gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Rosemary sprig for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Muddle a sprig of rosemary in a mixing glass before adding bourbon, vermouth, and bitters.
2. Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

“Tip: Slightly torch the rosemary before garnishing for an extra smoky aroma!”

---

Vanilla Manhattan Recipe

For a smooth, dessert-like experience, the Vanilla Manhattan is rich, warm, and sweet.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz vanilla liqueur
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Vanilla bean for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Stir bourbon, vanilla liqueur, and sweet vermouth with ice in a mixing glass.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a vanilla bean for an elegant touch.

“Tip: Split the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the drink for extra flavor!”

---

Espresso Manhattan Recipe

Looking for a cocktail with a caffeine kick? The Espresso Manhattan combines the richness of espresso with the classic drink’s deep flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
• 0.5 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 shot espresso
• Coffee bean for garnish

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass

Instructions:

1. Stir bourbon, coffee liqueur, sweet vermouth, and a shot of espresso with ice.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a single coffee bean.

“Tip: Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor!”

---

With these 12 Manhattan recipes, you can bring a variety of flavors to your cocktail parties or intimate nights in. Each version offers a unique twist on the traditional Manhattan, giving you options for every palate. Enjoy mixing, sipping, and sharing these drinks with your loved ones!