How to Make a Classic Manhattan with Bourbon: A Step-By-Step Guide

Are you itching for a classic cocktail but intimidated by the idea of making it yourself? Fear not, because you’re about to learn how to whip up a delicious Manhattan with bourbon. This classic cocktail is named after the borough of Manhattan in New York City and has been enjoyed since the mid-1800s. While it may seem complex, learning how to make a Manhattan with bourbon is actually quite easy once you’ve got the hang of it.

The ingredients for a Manhattan with bourbon are simple: bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. You’ll also need a cherry and ice to finish off the drink. The key to a perfect Manhattan is to get the right balance between the three main ingredients. So, if you’re ready to impress your friends and elevate your at-home drinking game, read on to learn how to make a Manhattan with bourbon.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Manhattan with Bourbon

Are you a fan of classic cocktails? If yes, then you must be familiar with the Manhattan. This bourbon-based cocktail is the perfect drink to sip on a cozy evening. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious Manhattan at home. Here’s our easy-to-follow guide on how to make a Manhattan with bourbon.

Gather the Ingredients

The first step to making a Manhattan with bourbon is gathering the necessary ingredients. You’ll need bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, ice cubes, and a cherry or orange peel for garnish.

Choose the Right Bourbon

Bourbon is the star of this cocktail, so choosing the right one is key. Opt for a bourbon that’s high in proof and full of flavor, such as Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, or Woodford Reserve.

Chill the Glass

One of the key factors for a refreshing Manhattan is serving it in a chilled glass. Place your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the cocktail.

Prepare the Cocktail

To prepare the cocktail, fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters. Shake the shaker well for about 10-15 seconds.

Stir the Cocktail

Once you’ve shaken the cocktail, remove the chill glass from the freezer and add a few ice cubes to it. Strain the cocktail into the glass.

Garnish the Cocktail

Now that your cocktail is ready, it’s time to add the finishing touches. You can garnish it with a cherry or an orange peel. Simply drop the garnish into the cocktail and give it a gentle stir.

Sip and Savor

Cheers! Your Manhattan with bourbon is now ready. Take a sip and savor the flavors of the sweet vermouth, the rich bourbon, and the unique taste of Angostura bitters.

Tips and Tricks

– Try experimenting with different bitters for a twist on the classic Manhattan.

– You can also add a splash of cherry juice or maple syrup for added sweetness.

– Serve your Manhattan in a chilled metal cup for extra authenticity.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to make a Manhattan with bourbon, you can impress your friends and family with your bartending skills. This classic cocktail is perfect for any occasion and can easily be personalized to suit your tastes. So go ahead, shake up a Manhattan with bourbon, and enjoy a taste of the good life!

The Perfect Manhattan with Bourbon: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you love bourbon, then you’ll know that a perfect Manhattan is a great way to enjoy it. The drink consists of bourbon, vermouth, and bitters, stirred together and served with a cherry. With its complex and rich flavor, this classic cocktail exudes sophistication and is perfect for both casual occasions and special events.

Here’s how to make the perfect Manhattan with bourbon:

1. Choose the Right Ingredients

To make the perfect Manhattan, you need to start with high-quality ingredients. You’ll need a good bourbon, preferably something with a high proof, such as Maker’s Mark or Bulleit. Additionally, you will need sweet vermouth, bitter orange bitters, and a Luxardo cherry or Maraschino cherry.

2. Measure Your Ingredients

Measure the ingredients for your Manhattan carefully to ensure that perfect balance of flavors. Get yourself a jigger or a cocktail measuring cup to ensure precise measurements.

3. Begin By Cooling Your Glass

Begin by placing your preferred glass into the freezer or refrigerator to chill it thoroughly. Using a chilled glass will keep your Manhattan cold for longer and ensure that it doesn’t get watered down as quickly.

4. Gather Your Ingredients

Gather your ingredients and have them ready to go. This step is essential as it will ensure that no unnecessary delay happens while you’re making your drink.

5. Add Ice into Your Mixing Glass

Fill a separate mixing glass with ice cubes. Ensure the glass is large enough to accommodate all your ingredients.

6. Pour Your Ingredients into the Mixing Glass

Pour in two ounces of your preferred bourbon, one ounce of sweet vermouth, and two dashes of bitter orange bitters over the ice.

7. Stir Gently

Stir the ingredients gently together using a long-handled spoon. Stirring gently will keep the flavors well combined and not watered down.

8. Strain Over Your Chilled Glass

Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass to ensure that it stays icy cold and leads to an excellent sipping experience.

9. Add a Luxardo or Maraschino Cherry

Finally, add a Luxardo cherry or Maraschino cherry to the top of the drink to add an element of sweetness and garnish the glass.

10. Sip and Savor Your Perfect Manhattan

Take in the aroma and savor the robust flavors of your beautifully crafted Manhattan cocktail. Enjoy it straight up, on the rocks, or with a splash of soda – however, you choose to take it, the perfect Manhattan cocktail with bourbon is sure to be a hit.

In conclusion, making the perfect Manhattan with bourbon is much easier than you ever imagined. With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can enjoy one of the most elegant and classic cocktails known to man. Cheers!

Choosing the Right Ingredients

If you want to make the perfect Manhattan with bourbon, you have to start with the right ingredients. There are three main components to this classic cocktail: bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Here are some tips for choosing the best ingredients for your Manhattan:

Bourbon Whiskey

The taste of the Manhattan depends largely on the type of bourbon whiskey you choose. Look for a high-quality, smooth bourbon with a good balance of sweetness and spice. Some popular options include Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, and Knob Creek. Keep in mind that the flavor and strength of the bourbon will affect the overall taste of the cocktail, so choose wisely.

Sweet Vermouth

Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that adds a rich, complex flavor to the Manhattan. Look for a high-quality, Italian-style sweet vermouth, such as Carpano Antica Formula or Martini & Rossi. You can also experiment with different brands to find the one that best suits your taste.

Bitters

Bitters are a crucial ingredient in the Manhattan, adding balance and complexity to the drink. Angostura bitters are the most commonly used bitters in this cocktail, but you can also try other varieties, such as Peychaud’s or orange bitters, for different flavor profiles.

Garnish

Although not strictly necessary, a garnish can add a nice finishing touch to your Manhattan. The classic garnish is a maraschino cherry, but you can also use a twist of orange peel or a lemon wedge to add a citrusy note to the cocktail.

Tools and Techniques

To make the perfect Manhattan with bourbon, you’ll need a few basic bartending tools and techniques. Here are some tips to get you started:

Jigger:

A jigger is a bartending tool used to measure liquids. For a standard Manhattan, use 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters.

Stirring:

Unlike some other cocktails, the Manhattan should be stirred, not shaken. Stirring gently with a long-handled spoon will help to properly mix the ingredients without diluting the drink too much.

Chilling:

To keep your Manhattan cold, use a mixing glass filled with ice to stir the ingredients. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass for best results.

Serving:

Once your Manhattan is chilled and mixed, it’s time to serve. Add your garnish, and enjoy! Remember to drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.

In conclusion, making a Manhattan with bourbon is a relatively simple process, but with so many variations of the ingredients and techniques, there is plenty of room for experimentation and personalization. With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, you can make a perfect Manhattan every time. Enjoy!

Bottoms Up!

Now that you know how to make a Manhattan with bourbon, it’s time to impress your friends with your new mixology skills. Whether you prefer your cocktail on the rocks or up, one thing is for sure – a Manhattan is a classic drink that never goes out of style. Don’t forget to experiment with different bourbons, vermouths, and bitters to find your perfect combination. Thanks for tuning in and cheers to your next cocktail adventure. Don’t forget to visit us again for more drink recipes and tips!