Stir Society

Derivative · Whiskey

Perfect Manhattan

The usual 1 oz sweet vermouth in a classic Manhattan is switched for an equal mixture of dry and sweet vermouths. The result is a lighter and less sweet Manhattan

Family: Martini / ManhattanVerifiedSpirit-forwardBoozyStirredPre-ProhibitionDigestif

Ingredients

  • 2 ozRye whiskey
  • ½ ozsweet vermouth
  • ½ ozdry vermouth
  • 2 dashesAngostura bitters

Method

  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe.
  4. Garnish with an orange peel or lemon twist and serve up.

History

"Perfect" in cocktail jargon refers to equal parts ingredients, and in this case that refers to equal parts dry and sweet (rosso) vermouth. By tempering down the quantity of rosso, the drink becomes lighter and less syrupy in mouthfeel.

Flavour

Sweet
Bitter
Sour
Boozy

Details

Glass
Coupe
Garnish
orange peel or lemon twist
Technique
stirred

Family

Derived from

Manhattan - equal parts dry and sweet vermouth

Compared with Manhattan

What changes: equal parts dry and sweet vermouth.

Manhattan

  • 2 ozRye whiskey
  • 1 ozSweet vermouth
  • 2 dashesAngostura bitters

Perfect Manhattan

  • 2 ozRye whiskey
  • ½ ozsweet vermouth
  • ½ ozdry vermouth
  • 2 dashesAngostura bitters

Green = new ingredient · Gold = different amount · Red = not used in Perfect Manhattan

Other takes on the Manhattan

Black Manhattan (Whiskey)Dry Manhattan (Whiskey)Martinez (Gin)Rob Roy (Whiskey)