Handcrafted Cocktails: The Manhattan, Two Ways

Master this quintessential drink—then crank it up a notch.

What’s better than one classic cocktail? Two ways to craft it. Whet your appetite with my in-depth thoughts on the makeup of the iconic Manhattan, then start out with the classic recipe below. When you’re ready to up your game and show off a little, try your hand at the Rye in Your Britches. That recipe calls for smoked hickory or cedar—if you have access to a smoking box, check out my tutorial here.

Classic Manhattan

Ingredients:

2 ounces American rye whiskey (overproof preferred, but bourbon may be substituted)
1 ounce quality, fresh sweet vermouth
2 to 3 dashes aromatic bitters
Quality maraschino cherry or twist, for garnish

How to craft it:

Combine whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass. Stir to chill and dilute. Pour into an Old Fashioned, martini, or coupe glass and garnish.