Method
Stir:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- Stir for 25 to 30 seconds with a bar spoon. Long enough that the outside of the mixing glass is cold to the touch.
Strain and garnish:
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Drop in a single brandied cherry. Use the good ones (Luxardo) — supermarket maraschinos with red dye are an insult to the drink.
Nutrition
Notes
Rye is the traditional choice. Bourbon makes it sweeter and rounder. Both work. Pick based on which bottle you want to drink that night.
The 2:1 ratio is gospel. Some modern bars push 3:1 (drier). Old bars sometimes pour 1:1 (wetter). All three are defensible. Start at 2:1.
Perfect Manhattan: half sweet vermouth, half dry vermouth. A different drink, slightly drier, also good.