The classic Manhattan cocktail combines rye, sweet vermouth, bitters, and cherries for garnish and is the perfect cocktail to close out your day. Our version uses Amarena cherries and a bit of their syrup for even more depth of flavor.
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The Perfect Manhattan Recipe with Rye and Amarena Cherries
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye
- 1 oz Sweet red vermouth
- 2 dashes bitters
- 2 Amarena cherries for garnish
- 1 tsp Amarena cherry syrup
- 1 cup ice
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Instructions
- Add the ice, rye, sweet red vermouth and bitters to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake or stir for at least 20 seconds.
- Coat the bottom of a glass with the cherry syrup and skewer two cherries for garnish.
- Strain the cocktail shaker ingredients and pour into a glass.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Bourbon may also be used.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This is lovely. Made it with the leftover amarena cherries from Christmas. And black vermut from Casa mariol. Mixed with Angostura. I started out with a conservative amount of rye. It almost had the taste of a cherry coke. So good. Very girly. I then added more Rye, for a more adult version. Indeed, very good
Thanks for the comment, Louise and so happy you enjoyed it!
I loved your post and writing style. Detailed and interesting without droning on, like many blog recipes do. Maybe you got me by being all nostalgics about your great grandma from Manhattan. Great photos and explanations. I wouldn’t drink whiskey for years, but Rye has grown on me and I love a Manhattan once in awhile. I have grandparents from Brooklyn, and I totally get how you can feel connected to them, honoring them almost, by making their favorite drinks. Good info on cherry types. My only critique is my opinion that Angostura bitters are better than Peychauds, lol! Cheers to you and Florence!
Hi Kristin. Glad you enjoyed the post. All the writing credit for this recipe goes to my wife. We’ll have to try the Angostura bitters next time we go shopping!
You had me at Manhattan and Amarena cherries! I use Bourbon but will use the next time. BTW, Trader Joe’s only carries the Amarenas seasonally…Dammit! I made a trip there today specifically for several jars. Out till next November-WHAT?!?
Your great grandmother’s recipe IS the bomb!! Love a Manhattan with Amarenas!
Thanks so much! We just learned too that they only have them for a very short time each year. Definitely stocking up next year!
Absolutely delish. I’ve kept my distance from Manhattan’s because they seemed too boozey (bourbon dominating) for me. Made these tonight for hubby and myself and loved it. The cherry swirling in the glass and Amarena cherries make it the bomb. Thank you! Btw: Great site and recipes
Thanks and glad you both enjoyed it! Yeah, those Amarena cherries are good.
Forgot to add…………Florence, this one’s for you. Cheers.
Thank you!
James…………great choice of rye & cherries.too…..BUT you need to upgrade to a good vermouth. I suggest Carpano Antica Formula..1786 vermouth by Guiseppe B. Carpano.
Also I have been using an excellent rye from Cleveland Whiskey, called Cleveland Underground rye whiskey finished with Black Cherry Wood…… Outstanding. Try it.
Hi Dan. I will defintely give that Vermouth a go. I have been using the same one for too long. And, I’m always looking for a new whiskey to try!
Bulleit rye and amarena cherries are both my favorites for any recipe. 10/10 execution. Simple sweet and versatile.
Thanks very much and glad you enjoyed it!