Perfect Manhattan recipe

rating
9.3
97 votes
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alcohol
31%
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2 oz blended whiskey
1/2 oz sweet vermouth
1/2 oz dry vermouth
1 dash bitters

Swirl with ice to chill, pour into a cocktail glass, and garnish with a maraschino cherry.





16 commentsadd comments
Add a twist

posted by Greg Wible @ 11:04PM, 6/10/06

A lemon twist makes this "Perfect". Make sure you twist the twist over the drink! Have someone twist one over the back of your hand and enjoy the lemon smell!
Perfect Manhattan

posted by Pat Erisman @ 09:41PM, 6/24/06

This is just what it's name implies. Perfect. (I use bourbon instead of whiskey.)
Lose the cherry

posted by Hugo Scrot @ 10:04PM, 7/05/06

Use Maker's Mark or Gentleman Jack. Keep the cherries for a sundae.
Bitter's are nice if you have them, but what is most important is the LEMON peel. Take a 2-3 inch strip, give it a big twist and swab the inside of the glass with it. SHAKE THE HECK OUT OF THE DRINK, THEN POUR IT IN AND MAKE THAT PEEL DANCE!! Done right it should be cloudy with bubbles that clear in a minute or so. Yum. (NO CHERRIES!!)
Scottish Manhattan

posted by Johnny Five @ 03:46PM, 10/18/06

Change blended whiskey to single malt scotch whiskey and just taste the difference. Garnish with a twist of lime.
Originally

posted by Bob Albers @ 06:38PM, 11/08/06

The "perfect" manhattan is a euphomism for the "original recipe". This was made at the Waldorf Astoria hotel for none other than Winston Chirchill's mother--a well known socialite of the day. Originally it used rye whisky, but I must confess I prefer JD or Wild Turkey.
First time

posted by Michael @ 08:04PM, 1/03/07

Wow, this is good. I should buy a better whiskey...
Rob Roy

posted by Deane @ 10:57PM, 1/08/07

If you use scotch instead that would be a Rob Roy not a Manhattan.
Add an olive instead of a cherry

posted by Big Daddy @ 12:28AM, 1/29/07

Never would have believed it, but a friend convinced me to try the perfect Manhattan with an olive...and it tastes great! Prefer mine with Jack Daniels. By the way, the "Scottish Manhattan" you listed is actually a Rob Roy!
Perfect Manhatten

posted by Eric @ 10:10PM, 2/18/07

Agree with most of the above. Use bourbon ( a good one such as Makers Mark or the like), bitters, and lose the cherries.
Keep the Cherry!

posted by Dr I.Ix @ 02:28PM, 3/14/07

I go for half the whiskey (only one oz) and a big dash of bitters. You have to keep the cherry, as it keeps the balance of dry and sweet in check; and always tastes great after sitting in the drink for a while - because this is not a drink to simply knock back...hence serve it as cold as you can.
With scotch its called a Rob Roy

posted by lucas @ 01:24PM, 3/26/07

If you change out the blended whisky for scotch it becomes a rob roy. 2 different drinks

I wouldn't use a cherry. Definately a twist instead.
Vermouth

posted by Jack @ 04:21PM, 5/21/07

Don't take the brand of vermouth lightly. This could make your break the perfect manhattan. Try this with Early Times Bourban. You will not be disappointed.
With Brandy

posted by JJC @ 04:43PM, 5/24/07

I use this recipe with Brandy (e.g. Korbel) and then add a very small amount of pure maple syrup not that imitation stuff. The syrup gives it a very silky finish that really goes down good. I use olives.
Perfect euphamisim

posted by mark @ 06:33AM, 6/03/07

The perfect refers to it being half dry and half sweet vermouth. hence the 'perfect' balance.
As always, less vermouth

posted by Bilgav @ 11:24AM, 7/05/07

Just a balanced dash of sweet and dry. No bitters and really swab the inside of a martini glass with the lemon peel. I use VO or (if I'm poor that week,) Black Velvet and reeeeallly get it cold. I served this as my signature drink when I was tending bar at a small restaurant one summer and people loved it with steaks.
Lime

posted by barry @ 11:13AM, 12/30/07

Try using a lime twist instead of the lemon.
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Nutritional Information

(per 3 oz serving)

Calories (kcal)
Energy (kj)
Fats
Carbohydrates
Protein

178
745
0 g
2.5 g
0 g

Fiber
Sugars
Cholesterol
Sodium
Alcohol

0 g
-
0 mg
2 mg
27.3 g



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