Classic Rye Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

When it comes to great drinks, the classic Manhattan is one of the most iconic. Most bartenders know how to make this drink, and it helps that it only requires 3 ingredients. According to Taste Cocktails, the Manhattan has been around for years, dating all the way back to 1882. There are a few theories about how this drink came to be, but most believe that someone known as "Black" whipped up the drink at New York City's, Hoffman House. No matter the origin, the drink turned out to be so good, it's stayed around for over 100 years. 

Recipe developer Christina Musgrave of Tasting with Tina came up with this classic Manhattan cocktail. "The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that all whiskey lovers will enjoy. It's incredibly simple to make, and is approachable for any level of mixologist," Musgrave says. "The Manhattan is easy enough to make for an at-home happy hour, but complex enough to make for guests. It's a cocktail that's great for any occasion." 

This classic Manhattan recipe is as simple as they come, requiring just 3 ingredients. Start with rye whiskey. "Rye whiskey is classically in a Manhattan cocktail. You can use bourbon instead of rye — it's just a personal preference," Musgrave shares. Then, you will need sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. "You can find Angostura bitters at almost any liquor store or online," Musgrave shares. 

Once you have those things, you can whip up this classic rye Manhattan cocktail.

To mix this drink, you will need a cocktail-mixing glass filled with ice. "Use enough ice to cool the cocktail down. I use about 1 cup. I recommend stirring over shaking," Musgrave shares. "Since there is no citrus in the cocktail, there is no need for it to be shaken."

Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters to the glass, and use a bar spoon to stir until chilled. "This cocktail is complex with spicy and sweet notes," Musgrave says of the flavor.

Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass, or cocktail glass of your choice, and enjoy. It's always nice to enjoy a good cocktail solo, but sometimes you want to pair it with a bite to eat. Luckily, Musgrave provides a few of her favorite serving suggestions to pair this drink with: "I'd pair a Manhattan with mixed nuts and potato chips. Salty snacks are a great balance to the strength of the rye."