Stirred Bourbon Citrus Manhattan
A refined twist on the classic Manhattan, blending bourbon with fresh citrus notes and a touch of aromatic bitters for balance. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, fresh orange juice 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 190 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 bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.25 oz fresh orange juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 strip orange peel
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass halfway with large ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 0.25 oz fresh orange juice.
- Step 2: Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
- Step 4: Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface, twist it to release the aroma, then rim the glass and drop the peel inside as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stirred Bourbon Citrus Manhattan 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 Stirred Bourbon Citrus Manhattan?
Refrigerate any leftover stirred bourbon citrus manhattan 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 Stirred Bourbon Citrus Manhattan?
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 Stirred Bourbon Citrus Manhattan 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 Stirred Bourbon Citrus Manhattan?
Cocktails 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.
