Bourbon Manhattan Recipe

What Exactly is a Bourbon Manhattan Cocktail?

The Bourbon Manhattan is a classic cocktail that replaces rye whiskey with bourbon, resulting in a smoother, sweeter drink. With a combination of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters, the Manhattan is an elegant, well-balanced cocktail that has become a staple in bars and at home. Bourbon brings a richer, more mellow flavor to the Manhattan, giving it a smooth finish that pairs beautifully with the herbal notes of vermouth and the spiciness of the bitters.

The Best Occasions to Enjoy a Bourbon Manhattan

The Bourbon Manhattan is perfect for any formal occasion, such as cocktail parties, dinners, or special events. It’s also a great choice for those who prefer their drinks neat or stirred, as it showcases bourbon’s depth without too many competing flavors. Its sophisticated profile makes it ideal for an evening of relaxation or even as a pre-dinner drink to stimulate the palate.

How to Make It

Here’s the classic Bourbon Manhattan recipe:

• Ingredients:
  1. 2 oz bourbon
  2. 1 oz sweet vermouth
  3. 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  4. Ice
  5. Maraschino cherry or lemon twist for garnish

• Directions:
  1. Combine bourbon, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir well and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  3. Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist.

Recipe Credit: Adapted from Liquor.com’s Manhattan Recipe.

What People Are Saying about the Bourbon Manhattan

Manhattan drinkers love the smooth, rich flavor that bourbon brings to the classic cocktail. One Instagram review said, “There’s nothing quite like a bourbon Manhattan—the perfect blend of smooth, sweet, and bitter. It’s the drink I turn to when I want something a little more sophisticated.”

Here's a Fun Fact

Legend has it that the Manhattan cocktail was created in the 1870s at New York City’s Manhattan Club for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (mother of Winston Churchill). Though its origins are disputed, the Manhattan remains a symbol of class and sophistication.

‍

Like the layers of flavor in a Bourbon Manhattan, Rickhouse Holding Company’s investment strategy layers risk mitigation and value growth. We buy young bourbon barrels and hold them during their most valuable years, typically between two and four years old. As these barrels age and mature, their value increases, much like the complex flavor profile of a Manhattan. By investing in bourbon barrels at their most opportune stage, we provide our investors with the potential for significant appreciation over time.