How to Make a Manhattan | a simple classic cocktail recipe

[@scruffylookinlo6241]

Bought a bottle of Rittenhouse 100 because of this video. Started stirring my cocktails longer because of this video. Life is better because of this channel.

[@itsdewic]

I now love you for sharing my love for anders

[@tomaszgajownik9939]

Me too👍

[@evanj4788]

I too just bought a bottle of Rittenhouse and am stiring longer

[@GhostDad1]

Bottled in bond! Such a good value rye too

[@tannergrinzel1835]

I prefer bulleit Rye as its less expensive

[@BiteSizeMediaLLC]

Best way to remember, 212 is the Manhattan area code. 2oz Rye, 1oz Sweet Vermouth, 2 dashes bitters.

[@MothRatz]

Your Perfect Manhattan story reminds me of the first time I ordered a burger for myself as a child and the server asked how I would like it cooked. I didn't know what she meant so she said "you know, like well done, or..." and I ordered it well done. As in gee, I guess I have to ask them specifically to do a good job making my burger

[@mistercarousel1872]

This is a good one because i feel like i had the exact same reaction with my first steak haha Edit: at least with a burger well done is alright, with steak, not so much imho

[@Coraxery]

Wow 20 years later and you still remember that guy, i kinda was hoping he saw this vid and commented on here that it's still not perfect 😂 cheers. thanks for all the great videos

[@joelyeast4507]

I expected the Perfect Manhattan story to end with, "well, you don't need to be a jerk about it, dad."

[@AndersErickson]

Haha... That's an even better ending! 😂

[@staciehaneline9533]

​@@AndersEricksonYour channel is better. 😉

[@staciehaneline9533]

I'm a new bartender. I watched this video before I started getting shifts, but I forgot that I was supposed to add the ice last. 😬 I got schooled by the guest. 😅 Today I explained to my boss that technically the guest was correct and I know exactly what to do next time. Your videos are very helpful. I appreciate you.

[@tombrown1898]

Some years ago I used Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon and Cinzano Sweet Vermouth, with Angostura Bitters, to make Manhattans. They were delicious! Wild Turkey is relatively high rye and high proof. It works.

[@trdsf]

My favorite variation on the manhattan is 1oz each rye, vodka and sweet vermouth, discovered by accident when I was down to my last ounce of rye (Rittenhouse, of course -- man, that's good stuff). I call it a 'Moscow on the Hudson', and the dilution of rye with vodka really lets the vermouth and bitters come out and play some more.

[@jacobhoover9223]

Respect to filling that jigger till the rye ready to break over the rim but you dump it in the mixing glass in time lovely work. Cheers from Virginia Beach!

[@steverochon1620]

I really like your videos. I’ve watched like 8-10 in the last few days and learned from each one of them. I always thought the Manhattan had the vermouth floated atop the whisky….lesson learned! My parents generally had one cocktail at Christmas, one at Thanksgiving, and maybe one at Easter dinner. They’d always ask me for a “light” southern comfort Manhattan, which meant half a shot of SC and an equal amount of water….then the floated vermouth. Now that they’re both gone, I make one of these drinks in their honor at each holiday dinner and let it sit untouched on a table somewhere, which it often did when they were alive as well. Thanks for the work you’re putting out there for us. I enjoy it immensely.

[@Ms.Hopeful]

I loved hearing about your grandparents 💕

[@misty30315]

My parents (mostly my Dad), my brothers, and I drink Manhattans on holidays and on many of the other occasions when we get together. My Dad adopted the habit from my Mom's Dad years ago. My brothers and I are thankful to have our parents still with us. We will carry on the tradition.

[@DreamzoOfficial]

P

[@livenhfree]

Thanks for the nice story. The same was true of my parents. A Manhattan on Christmas Eve.

[@dimitarapostolov9788]

After almost a year since I made my first Manhattan, I finally acquired a bottle of Cocchi di Torino, just shortly after I got my first bottle of Rittenhouse Rye! So FINALLY I was able to make this exact version of the Manhattan, with 3 Luxardo cherries... So far it is THE best one I've had, loved how bold & dramatic the flavor of this particular combo is, and I cannot wait to try Cocchi in my other usual favorites (Negroni, Boulevardier, Martinez). Love this recipe and I will definitely make it for my friends this weekend!

[@swright5690]

Cocchi is the best choice.

[@JonJonello]

Duuuuuuude thank you for this channel and for this video, I went to my local Bevmo tonight, bought the exact same spirits and made this Manhattan, and I cried tears with every sip, so good! Thank you! I say we add your face to Mt. Rushmore, rewrite the constitution, create a new Statue of Libationy and sing the pledge of Anders allegiance in our schools, “oh say can you see, the Manhattan of anders is flowing..” thanks for being a patriot and saving our lives with this delicious cocktail, yours truly - Jonathan

[@murallod]

Had a client that loved his perfect Manhattan. Truly a kind gentleman and was always a pleasure to have him in the bar.

[@motorv8N]

The entertainment value of your channel is off the charts, Anders. You’re a master craftsman and a storyteller and even though a rye and ginger is and forever will be about the limit of my skills, I’m really enjoying your sessions.

[@kevinob1983]

A good way to explain the ingredients and the portions is the Manhattan area code, 212. 2 parts whiskey, 1 part sweet vermouth and 2 dashes of bitters.

[@isabellaisa6750]

I love watching this guy making drinks, he is funny and helps you understand about how drinks are made...

[@wmbenson68]

Absolutely one of my all time favorites . . . and the coolest cocktail name ever.

[@TheSometimesWhy]

Anders, as a rank amateur tender of the bar, you videos stand out for their insight, as well as the Spirit in which they are delivered. Thank you for bringing your passion--it's infectious!

[@danielholt4543]

My parents drank Manhattans so I "grew up" loving this cocktail. Great video.

[@derektaylor3888]

I connected with the finale of this video because I was tending in a fine French dining place whilst still in my first year of the trade and another tender came in and asked for a perfect Manhattan and I said; “I’ll make the best one I know how to” and she then explained what she meant. Ya know, the perfect Manhattan. I was grateful that she schooled me before I became the fool. Kudos to Miss Eva.

[@MrChickster12]

I know to make a Manhattan and don’t even like them but I am still watching this video…… that’s a sign of a good video

[@rbmoose22]

I asked bartender for a Manhattan with Rye and she suggested I try a Boulevardier cocktail. Very good too !

[@jamedb89]

Tried the original and perfect side by side, and the perfect wins hands down for me. Feels brighter and lighter. Much more refreshing drink. I'm so glad I found this channel.

[@StevenBanks123]

Add the ice first. Add the ice last. Virtually no difference in the minimal elapsed time. Watch the clock during the stirring.

[@anibalherrera6595]

Brother I'm a starting bartender, and your channel is gold. Thank you

[@markwoldin162]

Anders, I gotta say, I am inpatient person but watching you make a drink is a pleasure, relaxing and informative.

[@cmonkey63]

I'm a simple scotch on the rocks kind of guy, but recently found this channel. Your enthusiasm for the craft has inspired me enough, that I'm now off to learn how to make a rusty nail.

[@poforeman]

Anders I came across a Reddit conversation debating Manhattan versus Old-fashioned and rye versus bourbon yada yada yada. IMHO kind of a useless debate. But it made me come back to see how you made your “ideal“ Manhattan. And OMG, I was reminded why you are so damn freaking good and why so many people like you. You are so approachable and you make this seem so easy and unintimidating. That’s what sets you apart from so many other cocktail snob channels. Keep it up dude! You are truly the best!

[@ahogan65]

this looks lovely. I barrel-age my Manhattan in an oak cask. Garnish with cherries OR orange peel. delicous.

[@waynelyles8053]

I learned something a while back from my bartender. I asked for suggestions on what I should order. I told the bartender that the Manhattan is too sweet for my taste. So, he suggested I try a Brooklyn. Almost the same recipe but it uses dry vermouth. I have fallen in love with this drink. It is now my go to when I go to the bar. P.S. The interesting part that he told me was they have a different rye based cocktail named for each of the boroughs in NYC.

[@4rounder312]

great vids AE !! never go wrong with a Manhattan in a cold climate. The "Chicago trifecta" Manhattan, Old Fashion & Rusty Nail....

[@daveski99x]

I learned this drink from a former brother in law, yeah, who tended bar. He did not use more expensive liquor but used VO and then perfect half sweet hald dry voumoth. Twist of lemon, no sweet cherries. It's great. L8ke to party with my ex brother in law, he was pretty cool.

[@VFRCapBob]

I'm starting to write some of these down. Manhattan was my first learned cocktails. Along with RobRoy to honor the memory of my father inlaw.

[@dekaasploeg]

Hi Anders, just to let you know that ever I discovered this channel my quality of life has improved dramatically. Thoroughly enjoy your recipes and this cocktail especially has stolen my heart. I have it with 6cl Rittenhouse (2 ounces) and 1 ounce Vermouth, four shots of bitters and and orange oil + peel garnish. Thanks and keep it up!

[@6BURG9]

Don't have any rye in the house at the moment, so I made this with Bowmore 18. Sacrilege I know... but it was delicious! Probably the best Manhattan I've had thus far.

[@michaeljdauben]

I've recently become fond of the "employees only" Manhattan, which adds a little Grand Marnier. Delicious!

[@robsaxepga]

My godmother used to come visit for the weekend. My mother, who didn't really drink, and she would stay up all night chatting and smoking cigarettes, etc. My godmother would bring her Manhattan mixings. Jim Beam (ICK!) and Marichino cherries..😱 She'd have 5 or 6 of those without blinking an eye. I swore to myself I'd never do that..awful! Flash forward to today and I'm a Manhattan guy. I've got all the good makings and have learned to prepare it how I like it which is a little different than what you're saying in that, I add a little Luxardo cherry juice, just a touch, to the drink. Yum!! Great channel, Anders! Thank you!

[@richdelgado3405]

5:43 I was thoroughly expecting you to say "And the name of that man? Manhattan. Al Manhattan. The creator of the Manhattan cocktail."

[@rene_from_so_cal]

"It puts the lotion on its skin, or it gets the hose again" - you my friend, did not get the hose again with this one. Absolutely, delicious. Thank you!

[@doddstrong8873]

Just made a Manhattan following your directions exactly, my 92 year old father in law says it was his best Manhattan ever, and the Manhattan has always his go to cocktail, he thinks the rye whiskey was the difference

[@AndersErickson]

This makes me happy. Cheers to the both of you!

[@michaeldrapes8446]

Anders, I love your videos. This was the first one I watched. My parents were from Stevens Point, WI. I grew up with perfect Brandy Manhattans and stories of supper clubs like the Sky Club and the Antlers. Your videos are a new and exciting, tinged with a touch of nostalgia. Keep up the great work.

[@silvertree2189]

Great videos. I like how you bring up difficult customers and want to improve. Thanks for being honest and we love your awesome, genuine and kind approach. We all can learn from you in 2022!

[@Peter-ic1jo]

Anders you make my family’s life better. You make my life better. Cocktail hour has never been the same since I started watching your channel. CHEERS!!!

[@davidheffron4481]

Great video, thanks! If you hold your mixing glass at the base, you should stir the ice until the base of the glass feels cold.

[@hummmingbear]

Thank you. We made a DELICIOUS manhattan and it was so simple thanks to you. BLESS YOUR WHOLE LIFE ANDERS ERICKSON. EVERYTHING FOR YOU. I liked AND subscribed.

[@geraldkummeneker8338]

I like the way you present all those cocktails. I like your humor....Keeper going

[@caroltarantino837]

What I really like are the very practical tips given along each journey. Thanks so much. Cheers!

[@matthines4748]

Manhattan is my cocktail of choice, but I ask for my favorite whiskey to go in it: Templeton Rye. A bartender recommended it to me, and she was so right.

[@AndrewWoodring]

I’ve been bartending for just about a year and a half and I wish I found this channel earlier! I’ve really just been winging it out here 😂

[@mosin9105]

I just made a Manhattan. I didn’t have cherries, but I had an orange, so used orange peel. So good! I’m looking forward to getting cherries and trying it again! Thanks!!!

[@lars591]

My old buddy Joe loved his Manhattans with Crown Royal, just a bit of the sweet and dry Vermuth . Of course what he was really going after was the CR.

[@tommymccartney8891]

According to the clock he stirred it for about 15 mins

[@karlstriepe8050]

Good eye! French voice: "15 minutes later ..."

[@realtoast7036]

Ha! Made me look

[@lilianmaillot9449]

Quinze minutes plus tard...

[@tombrown1898]

If you watch "Roman Holiday" with Gregory Peck and Audrey Heburn, there's a scene where they're sitting on the steps of a cathedral having ice cream. When the scene starts, the big clock above them shows some time around noon, then jumps to five o'clock, then back to two... and the ice cream doesn't even melt!

[@b.w.9244]

I like to split the bitters with cherry brandy or disarrono to sweeten it up a bit. I just mix it in the glass without any ice if its just for me and not company. It ends up being a triple when i dont measure!

[@andrewstevenson1955]

Thank you Anders for making me my favourite Classic Cocktail 🍸 I love ❤️ the Manhattan.

[@jonmolnar5440]

I made my first Manhattan tonight with the video! Thank you Anders for showing me. And thank you Az for filming.😊

[@terrymiller111]

You and Greg (How to Drink), along with a few others, have finally convinced me to up my game. Thanks.

[@georgedarrell7416]

I grew up on my folx Bourbon Manhattans. Love my Manhattans. I prefer high rye mash bourbon. Now I feel the need to get some bonded rye to make an old school, OG Manhattan.

[@bleedthefreak100]

Just made one of these with Jack Daniels Single Barrel Rye and it was delicious! Appreciate what you do man. Keep it up!

[@chrisb5986]

I didn't know about "perfect" Manhattans. Now I do. Thanks.

[@thomas8501]

We all enjoy these videos thinking Anders is good and of course he is. But he's filmed with a lot of love and it shows. Kudos to his girlfriend/wife.

[@jamesanthony2775]

You have an awesome personality man. Pleasure to watch

[@XcyteBike]

I need to make this. TO THE BAR!

[@cryptosquirrel8914]

Mine has orange peel misted around the rim and dropped into the drink....also, a good dash of maraschino cherry juice. And the cherries of course. Why reinvent the wheel with micro farm made specialty stuff one can't acquire. Well, each to their own. This is mine. I do appreciate yours and that you made the Manhattan vid. Cheers. I'm enjoying a Boulevardier as I type this...to me, it's another version of a Manhattan.

[@gregmarquez1099]

I had some Templeton Rye I followed your recipe and added a dash of Orange bitters and it came out pretty good. I bought some coupe glasses after I saw one of your videos 😊

[@lukejackson1116]

This channel is literally the best - please never stop and please keep up the videos (I know this video is 2 years old, but it shows how much you love the craft with how many more videos you’ve made to educate!)

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you so much!

[@BR279]

maraschino cherry is a must for me

[@Cremantus]

That is whiy classics are classics... thumbs up, well done.

[@zoriqueolayori7301]

I work at a winery and we’re also affiliated with a distillery so for our signature manhattan’s we use the red cask whisky from the distillery next door and the Cabernet Franc Ice Wine from our Winery

[@lrivera31]

Ugh I just found this channel! Amazing. Manhattans are so good.

[@oscarsnr]

My mixing glass finally arrived on the weekend and this was the first cocktail I attempted. I used 2:1 ratio and a lemon twist as I don’t have any cherries. It tasted amazing and the colour was beautiful. Looking forward to my next one!

[@AndersErickson]

Wonderful! So happy it worked out - I love a lemon twist with my manhattan. Now that you've got a mixing glass, there's no going back!

[@Flintster56]

Sir. I could watch you make cocktails all day. Very entertaining. loved the end with the cherries!

[@llcoolmartine]

Since I'm a sweet-tooth I always add a teaspoon of maraschino cherry juice. Excellent stuff.

[@tannergrinzel1835]

That would be called a reverse Manhattan

[@alx1621]

I have prepared Manhattans with Rittenhouse and with Wild Turkey 101. I found Wild Turkey more flavorful, complex and spicier. I highly recommend it. You should try it!

[@chrismarshall4486]

That’s funny. I was working my first job as a cook on a dinner train damn a long time ago! Before internet on your phone. Ha. They only served drinks straight. Didn’t have a true bartender. Someone wanted a cosmopolitan and nobody knew how to make one. I knew it had cranberry juice in it so I was like I’ll give it a shot. Made it and they loved it! I guess that started me off bartending on the side. Great videos love watching

[@jmelleens]

I am WITH you on the 3 cherries - my favorite cheap bar still does not stock rye, so I've been drinking semi-perfect Manhattans with Scotch (Or Rob Roy's, technically) - 60ml Monkey Shoulder, 20ml sweet vermouth, 10ml dry vermouth - I still prefer a 50:50 ratio Rittenhouse and sweet vermouth, but they're both pretty neat. Anyhow, just stumbled upon your channel, looks like a great addition to my ever-growing thirst of knowledge about cocktails!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

"Neat" you mean no additives? Just booze?

[@jmelleens]

@@jeffhildreth9244 I meant neat as in nice, tidy, good to drink. I mean, technically all Manhattans are just booze, since there are no non-alcoholic ingredients 😄

[@thesollylama130]

I prefer the classic rye whiskey myself but if only bourbon is available- like at most small bars- then I ask for the vermouth to be 'perfect'. Bourbon is sweeter than Rye and the dry vermouth balances better without changing the flavor profile.

[@estienneherbert60]

I enjoy your videos a lot, the perfect manhatten story was really funny because I've read an article about the same senario from the perspective of the customer, the only thing I'd like to see a bit more of is some creative tasting notes. keep it up

[@ricardofigueroa5574]

I’ve been making Manhattans for friends and family for many years using Rachel Maddow’s recipe and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve tried many recipes, including the classic one that you feature here on your video, but I like her recipe the best. Her recipe has a taste that is a bit booze-forward even though it has the same ounces of alcohol. It calls for 2 1/4 oz rye whiskey to 3/4 oz of sweet vermouth. So basically you take away 1/4 oz of sweet vermouth and add 1/4 oz of rye whiskey. The bitters remain the same, just two dashes. If I remember correctly, Rachel Maddow also likes to use Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey, but I like to use George Dickel Rye Whiskey instead. It has a brighter and lighter taste with a nutty aftertaste that in my opinion adds complexity to the Manhattan. And of course, you cannot forget the Luxardo cherries. They take your Manhattan to the next level. I have friends that are professional bartenders and mixologists and they all like my Manhattans better, but that’s probably because they appreciate someone making a drink for them for a change.😆

[@spiderz81]

I love the way you made that Manhattan..I like an orange twist with mine🍊

[@DarwinsBeerReviews]

He watched you and didn't say anything. What a terrible bar guest. Hope he tipped well.

[@PyrrhusBrin]

Usually I use Antica Formula Vermouth, but since I picked up Cocchi Vermouth Di Torrino for the Martinez recipe I had to give it a try. It was honestly perfect with the WT101 that I used since I couldn't find my preferred rye for a Manhattan.

[@cassconner6023]

I use Antica also, a perfect accompaniment.

[@jasonevans1978]

212 is the area code for Manhattan. 2oz whiskey, 1oz vermouth, 2 dashes bitters. Hence 212...

[@gaylanadair8500]

Love your channel, especially all the little tips and tricks. You have to try making a ‘smoky Manhattan’. It’s from a local bar …..SO good: smokey manhattan: george dickel rye, maraschino cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, angostura, laphroaig wash

[@b.w.9244]

George Dickel my go to! The laphroaig was is interesting...

[@Gallasl666]

My favorite cocktail. Thanks Dad

[@brucearant7793]

Anders.... I recently discovered you, and have now watched several of your videos...and I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your information, humor and insights about cocktails. Manhattans (rye) were my first introduction to cocktails, and are still my go-to cocktail. Anyway...thanks!

[@LikeOnATree]

Loved the backstory about the Perfect Manhattan!

[@Frank-uf2vn]

Just made a Manhattan using Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth with the rest of what you used and its tasty as heck, only 8:30 am (just got out of work) but I will check back to see what you have for breakfast down the road...lol Great video...thank you! & 🥃Cheers.

[@roybackhouse117]

That's a great story at the end. Perfect!

[@damonsalvatore9121]

Man thank you so much for this and every single recipe, your videos have been helping me a lot lately. The funny thing is that I'm here bartender in china and I follow your recipe most of the time and sometimes people ask me that hey man this cocktail recipe is really good where did you learn this and I always tell then it's my own creation 😄, so I'm sorry for that haha but really man thank you so much.

[@guyrich6467]

I like how you stir with the spoon upside down

[@crewsul]

First congratulations, I'm talking about Brazil, I would like to see your recitation of our traditional caipirinha would be a challenge.

[@NathanHarrison7]

Can’t wait to go to Manhattan to have a Manhattan. Beautiful story at the end. Thank you for sharing that. In case you didn’t already realize it… that dude had 0 EQ and 0 self esteem.

[@eciampa74]

I'm a bourbon Manhattan rocks fan: Woodford Double Oaked, Carpano Antica vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura, 2 dashes Hella Bitters Citrus, Luxardo cherry. Sacrilege: I drink it in a Yeti low ball which keeps it COLD with very little ice melt. It's gotten to the point where I have a hard time ordering one out any more, because they're just not as good (to me!) as what I craft at home.

[@staceyarbour886]

You’re super fun. Thanks for taking the ego out of tending bar.

[@icemancantcook]

You need those perfect manhattan stories to help you learn things. I've been making a perfect manhattan for my father-in-law, since genetically, the whole family is never happy and I figured that would be a nice compromise...

[@cymbelinebritain6799]

Those cherries look delectable (oh, so does the Manhattan 😋)

[@Hans353]

The story at the end is great. You should do more stories if u have anymore.

[@mattgeorge7127]

I lost faith in the internets until I found this channel. Cheers Anders!!!

[@AndersErickson]

Cheers to you Matt!

[@AM-hf9kk]

I've given up on the bars in my town. The few that survived the murder-flu get by on lite beer... The last Manhattan I had (that I didn't make) was clear...

[@tinahardman1525]

Southern Confort, is cool to use too.