Classic Stirred Manhattan with Cherry Bitters
A timeless Manhattan cocktail balanced with rich rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a touch of cherry bitters, served chilled with a cherry garnish. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, dashes 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 180 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 piece maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass halfway with large ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of cherry bitters.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture through a julep strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 4: Garnish by skewering 1 maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick and resting it across the rim of the glass.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Stirred Manhattan with Cherry Bitters take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Classic Stirred Manhattan with Cherry Bitters?
Refrigerate any leftover classic stirred manhattan with cherry bitters in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Stirred Manhattan with Cherry Bitters?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Stirred Manhattan with Cherry Bitters for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Stirred Manhattan with Cherry Bitters?
Cocktails & Beverages cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
