Best Manhattan Cocktail

Much as I’m a huge fan of both whiskey and vermouth, and I love classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Martini, I never used to like the Manhattan. It just tasted like rye and vermouth – there was no magic to it – which is a total shame because nothing beats a stiff, spirit forward drink after a long day at the office, especially one garnished with a delicious gourmet candied cherry!

Then one day I figured out the trick to a great Manhattan – a quarter ounce of Luxardo maraschino liqueur. It helps the drink lean into the subtle earthy cherry notes and brings the rye and vermouth together into a cocktail that’s more than the sum of it’s parts!

For a good basic rye you can’t go wrong with a Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond. The higher proof helps balance the sweetness of the other ingredients. Feel free to experiment and use your favorite whiskey, whether it’s rye, bourbon, or even Scotch (that’s called a Rob Roy).

I’m pretty picky with vermouths, and while a basic vermouth like Martini Rosso or Cinzano is okay I’d highly recommend picking up a premium vermouth like Lustau. Get the most rich and flavorful vermouth you can find! It’s a really simple cocktail so pick a vermouth you can drink by itself (see Spanish Vermouth Cocktail).