As we continue to celebrate Manhattan Month, we thought why not share some of our favorite Manhattans with you! Our Vya Sweet Vermouth is one of the best vermouths to pair with your choice of whiskey to create a delicious Manhattan. Click on the video below and check out how to make our 50:50 Manhattan cocktail to create at home and don’t forget to enjoy Manhattan Month with us and give these five cocktails a try!

1. The Classic 50:50 Manhattan 

Rumors are that the original Manhattan cocktail recipe used equal parts sweet vermouth and whiskey, hence its name being the 50/50 Manhattan. This 1:1 ratio offers a less boozy Manhattan, and one with the ideal balance between its ingredients. A 1:1 ratio you say?! Impossible! It’s true, the 50:50 Manhattan doesn’t work with most vermouths, but Vya marries exceptionally well with whiskey. With more Vya, you get a richer, more aromatic Manhattan. Less booze = more cocktails, and your favorite whiskey will last longer!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 oz. Vya Sweet Vermouth
1 1/2 oz. Rye whiskey (preferred to Bourbon in this recipe)
3 dashes Angostura or Regan’s Orange Bitters (or your preferred bitters)
Garnish: Orange twist

PREPARATION:

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into glassware. Garnish with an orange twist.

2. The Classic Manhattan

While it’s commonly believed that the first true Manhattan used equal parts vermouth and whiskey, this classic recipe of 2 to 1, whiskey to vermouth, is probably the most well known and mixed.

INGREDIENTS:

2 oz. Rye whiskey
1 oz. Vya Sweet Vermouth
3-5 dashes Angostura Bitters
Garnish: Brandied cherry

PREPARATION:

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass over ice. Stir and strain into glassware. Garnish and serve.

3. Maple Manhattan

Warm baking spices and maple syrup make this Manhattan cocktail perfect for a cold winter night.

INGREDIENTS:

2 oz. Bourbon
1/4 oz. Vya Sweet Vermouth
1 tbsp. maple syrup
2 Dashes bitters
Garnish: Brandied cherry

PREPARATION:

Add bourbon, vermouth, maple syrup and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

4. Apple Cider Manhattan

Crisp apple flavors and baking spices make this Manhattan perfect to toast the coming of fall.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 oz. Rye whiskey
3/4 oz. Vya Sweet Vermouth
1/2 oz. Fernet-Branca Liqueur
1 tsp. Brown sugar syrup*
1 oz. Apple cider
Garnish: Orange slices and brandied cherries

PREPARATION:

Fill a tall glass with ice. Combine Rye, Vya Sweet Vermouth, Fernet-Branca liqueur, brown sugar syrup, and apple cider in the glass. Stir well.  Strain into a coupe and garnish.

*Brown Sugar Syrup:
Combine 1-cup water and 1-cup brown sugar in a small saucepan. Heat until the mixture is simmering. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, or until all the sugar is dissolved in the water. Cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

5. Friends & Strangers Manhattan

Best when enjoyed with old friends and good looking strangers, this Manhattan marries the flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, orange zest, and smoldering wood.

INGREDIENTS:

2 oz. High West Campfire
1 1/2 oz. Vya Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Portland Bitters Project Orange Bitters
Garnish: Orange zest

PREPARATION:

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir. Strain into a coupe. Garnish.