Old Fashioned Manhattan Recipe

Rye whiskey: A type of whiskey with a spicy and fruity flavor profile, essential for the classic taste of the Manhattan.

Sweet vermouth: A fortified wine that adds sweetness and herbal notes to the cocktail.

Angostura bitters: Concentrated bitters that provide depth and complexity to the drink.

Maraschino cherry: Used as a garnish, it adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Orange peel: A twist of orange peel is used as a garnish to add a hint of citrus aroma.

When preparing an Old Fashioned Manhattan, ensure that you use a mixing glass rather than a shaker. Stirring the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice helps to chill the drink without diluting it too much, preserving the integrity of the flavors. When garnishing, twist the orange peel over the drink to release its essential oils, adding a subtle citrus aroma that complements the maraschino cherry.

• rye whiskey - Substitute with bourbon: Bourbon offers a slightly sweeter and smoother profile compared to rye whiskey, which can add a different but enjoyable twist to the cocktail.

• sweet vermouth - Substitute with dry vermouth: Using dry vermouth will make the cocktail less sweet and more aromatic, providing a different balance of flavors.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters will add a citrusy note to the drink, complementing the sweetness of the vermouth and the garnish.

• maraschino cherry - Substitute with brandied cherry: Brandied cherries have a richer, more complex flavor than maraschino cherries, adding depth to the garnish.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel will provide a sharper, more acidic citrus aroma, which can brighten the overall flavor of the cocktail.

• To store your Old Fashioned Manhattan, first ensure you have a clean, airtight container. A glass bottle with a tight seal works best to maintain the integrity of the rye whiskey and sweet vermouth.

• Pour the mixed cocktail into the container, leaving a little space at the top to allow for any expansion if freezing.

• If you plan to enjoy your Manhattan within a few days, simply refrigerate the container. The cold temperature will keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

• For longer storage, place the container in the freezer. The high alcohol content in the rye whiskey will prevent the cocktail from freezing solid, but it will keep it exceptionally cold and ready to serve.

• When you're ready to enjoy your Old Fashioned Manhattan, remove the container from the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to slightly thaw.

• Stir the cocktail well before serving to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

• Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a twist of orange peel to enhance the presentation and flavor.

• Always store garnishes like maraschino cherries and orange peels separately in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and vibrant until you're ready to use them.

• Pour the Old Fashioned Manhattan into a small saucepan.
• Gently heat over low flame, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
• Avoid bringing it to a boil to preserve the delicate flavors of the rye whiskey and sweet vermouth.
• Once warmed, pour back into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a fresh maraschino cherry and a twist of orange peel for that freshly made touch.

• Mixing glass: A vessel used to combine and chill the ingredients by stirring with ice.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon designed for stirring cocktails efficiently.

• Jigger: A measuring tool used to ensure precise amounts of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth.

• Strainer: A device placed over the mixing glass to hold back ice while pouring the cocktail into the serving glass.

• Cocktail glass: A chilled glass used to serve the Manhattan, enhancing its presentation and keeping it cold.

• Peeler: A tool used to create a twist of orange peel for garnish.

• Ice: Essential for chilling the drink and diluting it slightly to balance the flavors.

• Maraschino cherry: Used as a garnish to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters in advance to streamline the process.

Use a jigger: A jigger ensures precise measurements, saving time and reducing the need for adjustments.

Chill the glass ahead: Place your cocktail glass in the freezer before you start to save time on chilling.

Batch preparation: If making multiple drinks, mix larger quantities in a pitcher and stir with ice, then strain into individual glasses.

Garnish ready: Prepare the maraschino cherry and orange peel garnish in advance to save time during assembly.