Reverse Manhattan

The Manhattan was originally vermouth dominant: two parts vermouth to one part rye whiskey. By the end of World War II, as the quality of American-made spirits improved, it became less necessary to dilute the burn of harsh liquors, and vermouth ratios plummeted, propelled by a fashionable disdain for the light, spiced wine. In this throwback version of the drink, an assertive sweet vermouth—we like Imbue Petal & Thorn—adds a citrusy, herbal flavor. This recipe first appeared in our November 2014 issue with the story Vermouth on the Rise.

  • Serves

    makes 1 Cocktail

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. vermouth (preferably Imbue Petal & Thorn)
  • 1 oz. rye whiskey
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 Amarena cherry

Instructions

Step 1

Stir vermouth, rye whiskey, and Angostura bitters in an ice-filled shaker. Strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube; garnish with an Amarena cherry.
  1. Stir vermouth, rye whiskey, and Angostura bitters in an ice-filled shaker. Strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube; garnish with an Amarena cherry.
Drinks

Reverse Manhattan

  • Serves

    makes 1 Cocktail

Reverse Manhattan Cocktail
INGALLS PHOTOGRAPHY

The Manhattan was originally vermouth dominant: two parts vermouth to one part rye whiskey. By the end of World War II, as the quality of American-made spirits improved, it became less necessary to dilute the burn of harsh liquors, and vermouth ratios plummeted, propelled by a fashionable disdain for the light, spiced wine. In this throwback version of the drink, an assertive sweet vermouth—we like Imbue Petal & Thorn—adds a citrusy, herbal flavor. This recipe first appeared in our November 2014 issue with the story Vermouth on the Rise.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. vermouth (preferably Imbue Petal & Thorn)
  • 1 oz. rye whiskey
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 Amarena cherry

Instructions

Step 1

Stir vermouth, rye whiskey, and Angostura bitters in an ice-filled shaker. Strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube; garnish with an Amarena cherry.
  1. Stir vermouth, rye whiskey, and Angostura bitters in an ice-filled shaker. Strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube; garnish with an Amarena cherry.

Continue to Next Story

Want more SAVEUR?

Get our favorite recipes, stories, and more delivered to your inbox.