Citrus-Spiced Rye Manhattan with Cherry Bitters
A vibrant Manhattan variation featuring rye whiskey balanced with bright citrus notes and aromatic cherry bitters for depth and complexity. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry bitters for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes cherry bitters
- 1 medium strip orange peel
- 1 maraschino cherry
- as needed ice cubes
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Equipment for this recipe
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Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes and pour in 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes cherry bitters. Stir gently for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 2: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Step 3: Express the oils from 1 medium strip of orange peel over the surface, then rim the glass with the peel before discarding or adding it as garnish.
- Step 4: Skewer 1 maraschino cherry and place it delicately in the drink for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.








