Skip advertisement Advertisement

Stiletto Manhattan

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (77)
Measurements in:
Serves:
1
Ingredients
2 fl oz Tennessee whiskey
1/2 fl oz Adriatico Amaretto Liqueur
3/4 fl oz Strucchi Dry Vermouth
1 dash Orange Bitters by Angostura

How to make

Glassware

Serve in a Coupe glass

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. FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. Express orange zest twist over cocktail and discard. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Flavour Profile

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Strength 8/10
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
Sweet to sour 7/10

Health & Nutrition

Nutrition:

One serving of Stiletto Manhattan contains 214 calories

Alcohol content:

  • 1.8 standard drinks
  • 26.03% alc./vol. (52.06° proof)
  • 25.5 grams of pure alcohol

Allergens:

Recipe contains the following allergens:

Skip advertisement Advertisement

Review

Many make this drink with 30ml amaretto and 15ml dry vermouth and, as you'd expect, the result is sweet with amaretto predominating. This 2013 formula by yours truly is more in the style of a traditional Sweet Manhattan.

Skip advertisement Advertisement
Skip advertisement Advertisement

Comments & Discussion

Jeremy Harrold
It didn’t personally quite work for me. I edged the Amaretto up to 20ml which helped its flavour come through without it being too dominant or sweet.
0
Sc'Eric
I learned this cocktail early in my career (c. 2008?) as being made with Canadian whisky, which I think often pales. My preferred recipe uses a mix of Canadian and Rittenhouse PA-style rye... with equal parts dry and amaretto... orange bitters (or bartender's choice), plus cherry and orange garnish. The proof (and dryness) of the whiskey makes a huge difference in how this drink plays.
1
G. M. Genovese
I just tried this way too many times, adjusting the specs with each turn. The best ratio for me was a classic 2:1 - 60 ml whiskey (101 proof), 20 ml amaretto, 10 ml dry vermouth. That tasted like a Manhattan.
1
Peter M
I feel like this should be higher than a 7 on the Boozy/Gentle scale? At least an 8, imho. (It is 2 standard drinks, after all, with all 4 ingredients containing alcohol.)
1
Simon Difford
Thanks, Peter. I've pushed up to 8.
1
Fiona Fellows
I’ve been trying to find the perfect balance for a Manhattan for ages and this has hit the nail on the head! Just the right amount of vermouth, and with the addition of a subtle amount of Amaretto, it is just perfect. Thank you :-)
2
Nir Rasin
This is a very delicious cocktail. I love a good Manhattan and this one takes the standard to new highs.
2
John Hinojos
This was outstanding as an evening sipper with some Amaretto flavoured bread pudding. The forward taste of the whiskey and the hint of almond was perfect. Slightly sweet but perfect in the evening after a nice supper.
2
Sally Glover
A delightful cocktail. I prefer it with Russells Reserve Kentucky Bourbon (90 proof) and a slice of orange - simply delicious.
4
Peter M
Is that the 10 year?
1