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Latest / 30-Minute / No. 29
Classic Manhattan Cocktail
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30-Minute

Classic Manhattan Cocktail

Rye whiskey stirred with sweet vermouth and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters, strained into a chilled glass and finished with an orange twist or a cherry. The cold-weather cocktail for holiday gatherings.

Prep5 min
CookNone
Total5 min
Serves1

What you'll need

Mixing bowl setFor mixing and marinating
8-inch chef's knifeFor all the chopping

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Ingredients

  • 2 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon for a sweeter drink)
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
  • ice
  • orange peel strip or a brandied cherry, to garnish

Steps

  1. Chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes.
  2. Fill a mixing glass or jar two-thirds full with ice.
  3. Add the whiskey, vermouth and bitters.
  4. Stir steadily for about 30 seconds, until very cold and slightly diluted.
  5. Strain into the chilled glass (or over one large ice cube in a rocks glass).
  6. Twist the orange peel over the drink to release its oils and drop it in, or add a cherry.

TipStore opened vermouth in the fridge; it's wine-based and goes flat and stale on the shelf within a few weeks.