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Manhattan (Perfect)
The medium-dry version of the classic Manhattan cocktail
Michael Guberman
22nd March at 22:26
5/12ths Really!
23rd March at 14:13
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.
6th August 2025 at 01:43
I was surprised I didn't like this, I guess I prefer my Manhattans sweet!
15th March 2024 at 02:23
Perfect works great on both Manhattans and Rob Roys!
30th January 2024 at 02:30
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)
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)
28th March 2024 at 21:22
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!
2nd January 2022 at 19:29
I used Rittenhouse Straight Rye. Great cocktail that has a really long finish. 5 stars.
5th October 2021 at 20:38
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.
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.
23rd February 2021 at 18:16
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
22nd May 2020 at 00:44
After a lot of experimentation (for Science), I've made this my go-to favorite Manhattan.
8th November 2025 at 21:51
I agree, this is preferred to the Sweet version
21st January 2021 at 03:01
Thank you for your dedication to science, I think this is my preferred variation now as well.