Wicked Sweet Cherry Manhattan
A rich, smooth Manhattan variation with a hint of cherry and vanilla. This quick recipe, ready in about 7 minutes, brings together rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur 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 210 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
- 1/2 oz cherry liqueur
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 piece maraschino cherry
- 1 strip orange peel
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with large ice cubes to chill. Add 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 1/2 oz cherry liqueur, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 4: Garnish by skewering a maraschino cherry and placing it delicately inside the glass.
- Step 5: Express the oils from 1 strip of orange peel over the surface, then rim the glass with it before discarding or placing on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wicked Sweet Cherry Manhattan take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Wicked Sweet Cherry Manhattan?
Refrigerate any leftover wicked sweet cherry 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 Wicked Sweet Cherry 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 Wicked Sweet Cherry 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 Wicked Sweet Cherry Manhattan?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
