Variations on the Manhattan
The deceptively simple Manhattan has everything you need in a cocktail—richness and warmth from the whiskey, the sweetness and complexity of vermouth, and bitters to balance everything out. This trio of classic ingredients makes a perfect starting point for endless Manhattan variations; here's eight to start you off.
The Patriot
This version of the Manhattan stays true to the classic with Jim Beam rye whiskey and Angostura bitters. Get the recipe for The Patriot »
The Clint Eastwood
With slightly spicy Bulleit Bourbon and sweet Italian Amarena cherries, this take on the Manhattan is named for everyone’s favorite Spaghetti Western hero.
The Sidney Poitier
The Bahamian film star would be proud to have inspired this combination of Maker’s Mark bourbon, sweet vermouth and Aztec chocolate bitters. Get the recipe for The Sidney Poitier »
The Whiskey Rebellion
Bulleit rye, two kinds of vermouth, and West Indies orange bitters make up this riff on a Manhattan.
The Civil War
This riff on the Manhattan, composed of Portland-distilled Burnside bourbon, artichoke-flavored Cynar, and old fashioned bitters, uses unusual flavors as a complement to classic ones. See the recipe for The Civil War »
The Bittersweet Symphony
Barrel-aged for one month, this unique Manhattan recipe–with Portland’s Temperance Trader bourbon, two kinds of vermouth, and Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters–is worth the wait. See the recipe for The Bittersweet Symphony »
The Massamanhattan
Julia Travis, the beverage director at New York city restaurant Kin Shop, serves this variation on a Manhattan as a foil for the restaurant’s fiery Thai dishes. Inspired by the rich melange of spices of found in a massaman curry, it’s also perfect for sipping on a chilly evening.
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