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You are here: Home / Friday Cocktails / Bourbon / Classic Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Classic Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

April 3, 2015 52 Comments

Classic Manhattan Cocktail Served in a Coupe Glass with Maraschino Cherries

With a rich history and the perfect combination of ingredients, the Classic Manhattan Cocktail is as perfect today as it was in years past. This is a grownup drink…proceed with caution!

Classic Manhattan Cocktails Served on a Gold Bar Tray

I was sent a couple of gorgeous glasses from my cousin who had split up items from my Aunt Eddie and Aunt Patsy’s estate. Sadly one of them was broken in transit so of course I wanted it more than ever. I had the urge to make a Classic Manhattan Cocktail Recipe and knew I needed a champagne coupe to represent how it was classically made.

The perfect opportunity was at hand to feature this storied cocktail during a ‘Mad Men’ party a group of bloggers decided to throw to commemorate the final season of the television show that so  many are hooked on. I wanted to make a traditional cocktail of the era and I wanted it in the right glass, doggone it! Nothing else would do for serving this Classic Manhattan!

I searched high and low; I went online and found some by Kate Spade, she of the overpriced designer category, and others by Waterford, still overpriced but a name that I would more proudly attribute to my stemware. I finally found the perfect reasonably priced glasses by Libbey (remember, I just wanted them for a couple of photos) but I was not interested in an entire case. Drat!!

I was definitely a woman on a mission so I called YaYa’s in the Denver Tech Center, my favorite restaurant, hoping they had some on their shelves that I could borrow. Turns out the manager did one better! When I talked to Scott, he said they didn’t have any in the restaurant but he thought he had some at home packed away.

Scott offered to check and let me know. The following morning his email was like a gift, he had found his cache and would drop off a package at YaYa’s for me to pickup. Tell me, how many restaurant managers will do that for you? YaYa’s will always fix mussels the way I like them no matter what the current menu offering is and I love them for that but this was over and beyond.

Many thanks Scott. What? I can keep the glasses too? All FOUR of them? I already thought you the best and now my readers know why…I LOVE these glasses!

 Classic Manhattan Cocktail Served with Mushroom Pate

This Classic Manhattan Cocktail is an elegant cocktail with a rich history; some of it fabricated to lend more glory to its name but all leading to it originating in Manhattan, one of the five Burroughs of New York City. By all accounts it originated in the later part of the 19th century and has seen a resurgence often attributed to the popularity of ‘Mad Men‘ – the television show chronicles the lives and social mores of the 1960′s in America.

I’ll be honest. I didn’t expect to be a fan. Let’s just say that my parents both enjoyed a Manhattan. They were a part of that 60′s generation that drank too much and partied too hard; there were affairs and a divorce and in a real soap opera twist; a re-marriage. By them. To each other.

Watching that play out on the small screen hit a bit too close to home so I kept my distance from the show for the first couple of years until a friend insisted I do a marathon with her and doggone it; I was hooked. Truth is I had also kept my distance from a Manhattan all these many years for many of the same reasons and that was another error in judgement on my part.

This is no lightweight drink. Recognizing that my taste in wine has segued from Boone’s Farm to a nice Cabernet over the years, I’m quite certain that if someone had introduced me to this cocktail those many years ago; it would have been received less than favorably. This is booze, pure and simple.

Despite some controversy over where it began, one area without controversy is the continued popularity of the drink. It is still considered one of the finest cocktails ever conceived and on every bar’s list of best cocktails.

templeton-rye

Purists (who are these people anyhow?!!) presume that the only way to create a Manhattan is with Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth and Bitters but there are those who cry sacrilege if not using Dry Vermouth. Most concede that Rye Whiskey is the liquor of choice and I love Templeton Rye but bartender choices run the gamut from Bourbon to Rye to Canadian Whiskey.

For me it has to be Rye but I’m more forgiving with the Vermouth depending on tastes, personally preferring Sweet Vermouth. Bitters are seeing a huge boon in popularity right now and the choices are endless but this is a Manhattan and Angostura bitters are a must. Sometimes something is so good that you simply don’t mess with that success!

When I originally posted about this Classic Manhattan Cocktail; it was in conjunction with a bunch of blogging friends who were verklempt over the ending of the Mad Men television series. I had originally created a post with both a cocktail and an appetizer; never again. Hard to find one if the focus is on the other; so here’s the delicious Mushroom and Walnut Pate recipe!

While this reboot had me clean up some of the focus on that event from a couple of years ago; I would be remiss to remove these recipes…a great collection of food and drink from that era.

Cocktails

  • Gin Rickey from Bakeaholic Mama
  • Whiskey Sour from Pass the Sushi
  • Old Fashioned from Poet in the Pantry
  • Mad Men Manhattan from Creative Culinary
  • Pink French 75 from Kelly Bakes
  • Sazerac Cocktail from Jelly Toast Blog
  • Classic Negroni from The Messy Baker
  • Gimlet from Yankee Kitchen Ninja

Appetizers

  • Vegan French Onion Dip from The Viet Vegan
  • Pimento Cheese & Crackers from The Noshery
  • Chicken Salad Sliders from The Lemon Bowl
  • Sidecar or Crab Rangoon from Cooking with Jax
  • Fried Green Olives Stuffed with Blue Cheese from Simply Healthy Family
  • Cheesy Asparagus Spirals from Comfortably Domestic
  • Easy cocktail meatballs The Realistic Nutritionist
  • Crab Rangoon from Cooking With Jax

Desserts

  • JELL-O Crown Jewel Dessert Cake from The Apron Archives
  • Pineapple Upside Down Cake from I am a Honeybee

PIN IT! ‘Classic Manhattan Cocktail Recipe’

Yield: 2 Cocktails

Classic Manhattan Cocktail

Classic Manhattan Cocktail

This is an American Classis; the Manhattan is simply and elegant and perfect for your most adult get togethers.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 oz rye whiskey
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 4-6 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish, I’ve used my own version which are a combination of sour cherries and Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

Instructions

  1. Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Stir well.
  3. Strain into two chilled cocktail glasses.
  4. Garnish with the cherries.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 228Total Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 344mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 5g
© Creative Culinary
Category: Whiskey

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Comments

  1. something says

    February 28, 2021 at 11:25 am

    Such positive thoughts are moving in the mind of every person all the time and it is somethingthat is new for us.I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it.
    Reply
  2. David Silvax says

    February 23, 2021 at 4:19 am

    an incredible idea for the weeked.. with friends... Really amazing tips you have provided
    Reply
  3. Español banda de hard rock says

    February 14, 2021 at 12:39 pm

    i really need this recipe, thanks for sharing it!
    Reply
  4. Dav says

    January 9, 2021 at 6:04 am

    It really amazing drink man :D
    Reply
  5. emma says

    December 28, 2020 at 7:59 am

    i tried this recipe personally and really love it.
    Reply
    • Barb says

      December 28, 2020 at 3:58 pm

      Thanks for taking the time to share that with me Emma; I love hearing from people who have tried something and enjoyed it!
      Reply
  6. Husnain says

    December 12, 2019 at 8:49 am

    This cocktail recipe is really amazing :D
    Reply
    • Barb says

      December 14, 2019 at 3:05 pm

      It's why it has been around so long!
      Reply
  7. Finn says

    November 10, 2019 at 9:11 am

    Amazing tasting recipe!
    Reply
    • Barb says

      November 11, 2019 at 11:17 am

      Glad you enjoyed it!
      Reply
  8. Sam says

    October 5, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    With a little twist but great tasting recipe!
    Reply
  9. Alex @ smartkitchenguide says

    April 10, 2017 at 8:14 am

    This sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing.
    Reply
  10. Scott Williamss says

    March 29, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    This mad men drink goes down nice and smooth. Thanks for sharing !
    Reply
  11. Jennifer R. says

    April 19, 2015 at 6:05 pm

    Those glasses are gorgeous. The mushroom pate recipe sounds delicious! I think I could actually get my mushroom-hating husband to eat this since the texture is changed.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 19, 2015 at 8:10 pm

      I had a comment on the dish that one guy's wife loved the pate and she doesn't like mushrooms. There is hope!
      Reply
  12. Jamie says

    April 9, 2015 at 7:29 am

    Believe it or not but I have wanted to make mushroom pâté since I first saw a recipe for it in Vegetarian Epicure. I love the way yours looks and I might just finally make it!! That martini glass is really gorgeous!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 9, 2015 at 11:39 am

      It is so good I never make liver pâté anymore; I know everyone will eat this. Did you see the comment from the fellow whose wife does not like mushrooms but loved this? No greater testimony right? :)
      Reply
  13. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

    April 8, 2015 at 2:15 am

    I love those glasses and I have to say I got a bit sniffly at the thought of your aunts' glass getting broken. Then when Scott said he'd look, I was feeling better. Then when he found them I was even better. But... when he said you could have them AND I saw the photos, I got sniffly again. So often we focus on the few bad things in the world and forget about so many good people. I make a good mushroom pate but my goodness, mine isn't as good as this. Once I looked at the ingredients list, I knew yours was better and I must have it.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 8, 2015 at 9:00 am

      He made me sniffly too; I am a total sucker for those unexpected acts of kindness, of being reminded of the goodness of people that is so often hidden behind the constant news of the bad ones. A reader left a comment that his wife loved it and she doesn't like mushrooms so bet you would love it!
      Reply
  14. PPriscilla | She's Cookin' says

    April 7, 2015 at 11:51 am

    Wow, Scott is definitely a great friend to have! Wish I'd known you were having a Mad Men party! I participated in a virtual one with the author of The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook and had a few friends over last night to watch Sunday's episode again. Everyone contributed popular appetizers from the '60s and I mixed Don Draper's go-to cocktail - the Old Fashioned. Your Manhattans look fabulous! Cheers, Barb!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 7, 2015 at 3:52 pm

      You would sure have been a perfect fit! I wanted to do the old fashioned but someone else had tagged it and I had already posted one not that long ago. The Manhattan was sure tasty but it's definiitely a 'big girl' drink! Cheers back at ya!
      Reply
  15. Doug (the kitchen professor) says

    April 6, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    My wife doesn't usually like mushrooms but she liked this pate. Maybe it was the manhattan!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 7, 2015 at 11:24 am

      Love hearing that Doug; maybe it was the booze but I'm thinking cream cheese and garlic didn't hurt either. :)
      Reply
  16. Kelly @ Kelly Bakes says

    April 4, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    I have to say, I'm normally a purist about things, but since I started making bitters a few years ago, I'm always excited to try new varieties and use them when I can in cocktails. Admittedly, though, I think the bitters boom is a little out of control at the moment; there's a tiny corner store in my (admittedly kind of hipster) neighborhood that sells organic produce and has an entire shelf dedicated to different kinds of bitters. I guess they know their audience! Anyway, I love Manhattans; your glasses are gorgeous! I need to bookmark this mushroom pate too!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 5, 2015 at 10:12 am

      I've done some homemade bitters too Kelly and I agree with you wholeheartedly about the out of control; fads tend to do that don't they? I get asked all the time to feature a specialty cocktail from some major 'mixologist' and the ingredients often include bitters I've never heard of. I won't do those for the blog; I want to create a cocktail or share classics that people can actually make in their home! Still, for this Manhattan; I know Don's drink would have included Angostura! Whatever or however; yes the pate is worth making!
      Reply
  17. Aimee Seavey says

    April 4, 2015 at 4:53 am

    I love this post! I always want to know the history behind everything, so this was great, and both the cocktail and pate look amazing. I recently tracked down my own pair of coupe glasses at an antique store after admiring the way Betty sips her gimlets. As a semi-veggie (fish, no meat), I LOVE the mushrooms, too. Happy Made Men viewing on Sunday!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:47 am

      I post a cocktail every Friday and often include ones I call 'Classics.' Those I like to delve into the history of; it's amazing how many of them have really interesting stories and characters involved. The pate is so good; I might have had nothing but for dinner last night. Maybe. OK, I did. :)
      Reply
  18. nicole @ i am a honey bee says

    April 3, 2015 at 8:28 pm

    man, that manager is the nicest!!!! I want that mushroom pate. Sounds so yummy!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:45 am

      It is yummy! And so is Scott. :)
      Reply
  19. MaryB says

    April 3, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    Love this blog party! I love your glasses, too. This pate and the drink are must makes for me. Love all the characters, really, in their own way they are great but gotta say Peggy, I guess.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:45 am

      Thanks Mary and I love them too. I would love them without their reminder of someone's generosity but that sure does add to the value for me! Hope you do try them; thanks for stopping by.
      Reply
  20. Carrie @ poet in the pantry says

    April 3, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    The last time I tried to order an Old Fashioned, they said they couldn't make one and offered me a Manhattan instead. Not knowing the difference between the two, I accepted--and was nearly knocked over by that **this is all liquor** feeling. My dad, who was at the same event, told me that's what you order when you're trying to do some serious drinking. Ha! Still, they have their moments. I love your story of how you acquired the glasses for this photo shoot! You have a great relationship at that restaurant!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:44 am

      Yes, it takes the right time and place; especially time to not be rushed and be able to sip it. Oh, and yes...a really good bourbon helps! :)
      Reply
  21. Deanna Segrave-Daly says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:50 pm

    K - first off, GENUIS blog party - love love it. Those glasses are gorgeous and my neighbors always bring over a pitcher of Manhattans when we have them over for dinner or happy hour. Admittedly, they are a bit strong for this gal but they are a beautiful cocktail sure! And loving this mushroom pate as I'm not big on the real deal :)
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:43 am

      I like chicken livers cooked with stock for a long time and used in a gravy at Thanksgiving but even then I have to make a separate batch for everyone else so I don't think you are alone...and I sort of figured as much. Besides, this is REALLY good. Any leftovers? I put it in an omelet. OH MY GOOD!
      Reply
  22. Lisa | The Viet Vegan says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:04 pm

    That mushroom pâté is styled with fineesssee. If only my chunky french onion dip looked as stylish. I'm glad you gave Mad Men a second chance. It's just too good of a show not to love <3
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:41 am

      Well I WAS in my home studio so I had no excuse; it's all about the other stuff bring some color into play and of course topping it with enough parsley that the brown sludge underneath is not quite so evident. Trust me, your French Onion Dip looked far better than mine would have if I hadn't been able to do that. Mushrooms + Cream Cheese = Grayish Brown Dip. :)
      Reply
  23. Yankee Kitchen Ninja (Julianne) says

    April 3, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    Wow, that Scott is a PRINCE -- I love those glasses! And I'm cray cray for pate, can't wait to try yours. (And that pic of Don is HYPNOTIC...)
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:40 am

      Agreed, Scott really is. I was totally verklempt. I know; Don is now my desktop image. :)
      Reply
  24. [email protected] Riffs says

    April 3, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    Champagne coupes are pretty, aren't they? I think (though I'm not positive) they were also the original martini glasses (before the v-shaped "martini" glass evolved). The Manhattan is one of my favorite drinks. I prefer a 2:1 ratio, but your 4:1 ratio is also quite nice. Sweet vermouth for me, although sometimes I like a Perfect Manhattan -- half sweet vermouth, half dry. Good post -- thanks.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:39 am

      So pretty; of course new ones are etched so these were so perfect to mimic something from another era. I had heard that about martinis too John! I have another post on the site about the Perfect Manhattan and it is different. This is certainly not an everyday cocktail; it's a slow sippy one...something I seldom have time for! :)
      Reply
  25. Gwen @SimplyHealthyFamily says

    April 3, 2015 at 11:44 am

    Wow, that was really nice of him! Such pretty vintage glasses! I'm just really digging that mushroom pate, I adore all things mushroom so these will be a perfect appetizer. I've never been a fan of whiskey but now I know what to order when I'm feeling adventerous. btw, I too have grown my apertifs from Boones Farm to a good Cabernet ;)
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:36 am

      He is such a nice guy Gwen but this was unexpected and truly a sweet gesture. The pate is divine and if you're interested in trying some bourbon/whiskey cocktails let me know; I would probably suggest something a bit more lightweight to start. I have a friend who has often said, 'I hate bourbon' and then I'll make her a great bourbon cocktail and she's can't believe she likes it!
      Reply
  26. Kate | Food Babbles says

    April 3, 2015 at 11:39 am

    I love Manhattans! Such a classic, tasty drink and mushroom pate. Yum! I want to come hang out, nosh and sip with you with these two fantastic recipes. As for my favorite Mad Men character ... Shh ... I've actually NEVER watched! Gasp! It's been in my Netflix queue for quite some time. I just have very little time for television. But one of these days I truly do want to start watching it.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 4, 2015 at 8:35 am

      I would seldom watch TV either except for insomnia. So thankful I can DVR shows I want to see and have them available from 2-4am. Well, not thankful I'm awake but as long as I am at least I'm not laying there trying to count sheep! :)
      Reply
  27. claire @the realistic nutritionist says

    April 3, 2015 at 9:58 am

    This pairing is just perfect!!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 3, 2015 at 11:16 am

      Thanks Claire; it really is! Trying it all out on a Wednesday night? Decadent too!
      Reply
  28. Angela says

    April 3, 2015 at 8:53 am

    My grandmother asked for a Manhattan with Southern Comfort a few years ago for her birthday, so I did some research on the internet and bought the appropriate ingredients. She enjoyed the drink - maybe a bit too much. The family still gives me a hard time for getting her tipsy with one drink!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 3, 2015 at 11:14 am

      Real life out loud chuckle; thanks for sharing Angela!
      Reply
  29. Jennie @themessybakerblog says

    April 3, 2015 at 8:13 am

    What a gorgeous cocktail and delicious pate recipe. Those glasses are stunning. I can't wait to make this boozy beverage. Pinned.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      April 3, 2015 at 11:15 am

      Thanks Jennie; the glasses are so precious I'm nervous using them but hey, they do me no good in a chine hutch!
      Reply

Trackbacks

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