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Manhattan (Perfect)

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (270)
Measurements in:
Serves:
1
Ingredients
2 fl oz Bourbon whiskey
5/12 fl oz Strucchi Rosso Vermouth
5/12 fl oz Strucchi Dry Vermouth
2 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters

How to make

Glass

Photographed in an UB Retro Coupe 1920 7.75oz

Prepare

  1. Select and pre-chill a COUPE GLASS.
  2. Prepare garnish of orange zest twist and Luxardo Maraschino Cherry.

Method

  1. STIR all ingredients with ice.
  2. STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. EXPRESS orange zest twist over the cocktail and discard.
  2. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Flavour Profile

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Strength 9/10
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
Sweet to sour 8/10

Health & Nutrition

Nutrition:

One serving of Manhattan (Perfect) contains 183 calories

Alcohol content:

  • 1.8 standard drinks
  • 28.99% alc./vol. (57.99° proof)
  • 24.9 grams of pure alcohol

Allergens:

Recipe contains the following allergens:

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Review

The medium-dry version of the classic Manhattan cocktail.

Variations/similar cocktails

Served on-the-rocks ice in an old-fashioned glass. Or Dry Manhattan / Sweet Manhattan.

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Gallery

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Comments & Discussion

John Hinojos Premium Member
Have stayed away from Manhattans as I do not like sweet cocktails. This was great. Just a hint of sweetness, but the vermouth combinations gives hints of dry sherry with Bourbon.
Would definitely have again.
score: 1
Michael Guberman
5/12ths Really!
score: 3
Simon Difford Verified User Premium Member
In the UK the standard spirit measure is 25ml and so the half measure of 12.5 ml, which converts to 5/12 oz, is commonplace. Indeed, outside the USA, bartenders work in ml using increments of 2.5 ml, which incidentally is 1/24 oz. For a conversion table, please click “Read about cocktail measures and measuring” under the recipe above.
score: 3
Mookie Premium Member
I was surprised I didn't like this, I guess I prefer my Manhattans sweet!
score: 2
Alejo Gerosa
Perfect works great on both Manhattans and Rob Roys!
score: 2
Gary Walther
After reading an article on Perfect Manhattans possibilities on the Wine Enthusiast site, I tried this variation that I think is really terrific. I really liked the way the lemon + briny flavors worked with the rye and vermouths.
2 oz Rittenhouse Bonded Rye
1/2 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth
1/2 oz Carpano Antica Vermouth
2 dashes Angostura
Expressed lemon twist
Cocktail Onion (or green olive)
score: 4
Gui Menegon
Sounds interesting. I am trying now Rittenhouse + Dolin Rouge + Cinzano Dry and I am missing the sweetness I am used to... Maybe the Dolin Dry + an italian rosso would make it better!
score: 2
Stuart Davies
I used Rittenhouse Straight Rye. Great cocktail that has a really long finish. 5 stars.
score: 3
Skyler Proctor
Manhattan sweet too sweet
I'll take Manhattan is great for the cherry/complexity, but way to sweet
Manhattan Perfect: Just miss the cherry/complexity despite the garnish

So I combined them to make the best of all worlds:

2oz whiskey
1/2 Rosso Vermouth
1/4 Dry Vermouth
1/4 Cherry Brandy
2 dashes bitters

This gives it just a hint of cherry that plays nice with the garnish but the dry vermouth still keeps it balanced.
score: 3
Vincent Wolf
Interesting drink. I used to have my manhattan with 2oz bourbon (or rye for more character) 1oz sweet vermouth 2-3 dashes angustura 1-2 dashes fee brothers chocolate. This one is of course dryer but interesting in summer if you are looking for a "fresher" Manhattan
score: 0
William Smith
After a lot of experimentation (for Science), I've made this my go-to favorite Manhattan.
score: 10
Zargoff TheDestroyer
Thank you for your dedication to science, I think this is my preferred variation now as well.
score: 6
Ronald Tragus
I agree, this is preferred to the Sweet version
score: 1