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15 Most Popular Manhattan Variations

Step into the world of Manhattan variations, where classic cocktail meets creative twists. From bold rye and sweet vermouth to unique infusions and garnishes, these variations offer a spectrum of flavors to suit every palate. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur looking to expand your mixology repertoire or simply someone who enjoys a well-crafted drink, Manhattan variations have something for everyone. So, if you appreciate the art of cocktail crafting and the thrill of new flavor experiences, get ready to embark on a journey through the diverse world of Manhattan variations.

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Rob Roy

rob roy cocktail

The Rob Roy, a classic cocktail crafted with the richness of Scotch whisky and the luscious sweetness of sweet vermouth, elegantly entwines flavors for a harmonious sip. This beverage reveals a captivating balance of smoky, herbal, and fruity notes, enhanced by the subtle bitterness of bitters and garnished with a Maraschino cherry. Sipping a Rob Roy offers a moment of refined indulgence, perfect for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of well-blended spirits. 


Greenpoint

greenpoint cocktail garnish with lemon twist

The Greenpoint cocktail boasts a spirited symphony of flavors, where the spiciness of rye whiskey harmonizes with the herbal complexity of Yellow Chartreuse. Sweet vermouth adds a rich sweetness, while a dash of Angostura bitters and orange bitters impart depth and zest. Crowned with a tantalizing lemon twist, this drink tantalizes the taste buds with its bold and balanced profile. Indulge in Greenpoint’s artful dance of ingredients and elevate your cocktail experience to new heights. 


Cherry Manhattan

cherry manhattan

The Cherry Manhattan cocktail is surprisingly simple to serve despite its intricate flavors. It appeals to a wide range of palates, making it suitable for everyone seeking a refined and unique cocktail experience. To enjoy this exquisite cocktail, savor the harmonious blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Cherry Heering.  Garnished with sweet luxardo cherries, each sip reveals a delightful dance of flavors, perfect for indulging in quiet moments or celebrating with friends. 


Black Manhattan

black manhattan
Source: www.acouplecooks.com

The Black Manhattan, born from the classic Manhattan, exudes a distinct allure with its deep and robust flavors. Rich whisky lays the foundation, while sweet vermouth adds a velvety sweetness, and a touch of Angostura bitters imparts a subtle bitterness that lingers on the palate. The difference that makes the Black Manhattan is the addition of Italian amaro, like Averna. The amaro adds an extra layer of spicy, herbal flavor, adding complexity to the cocktail. As a testament to the ever-evolving world of Manhattan variations, this dark and intriguing concoction continues to captivate discerning drinkers seeking bold new experiences.


Brooklyn

Brooklyn cocktail
Source: punchdrink.com

The Brooklyn cocktail’s unique blend of rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon creates a complex and captivating taste experience. Though it may require a few additional ingredients, the process of serving this cocktail is straightforward for experienced mixologists. With its bittersweet profile and intriguing herbal notes, the Brooklyn cocktail appeals to those with an adventurous palate. Served chilled in a cocktail glass and garnished with a Maraschino cherry, this cocktail is best savored slowly, allowing its intricate flavors to unfold with each delightful sip. 


Churchill Manhattan

Churchill Manhattan
Source: imbibemagazine.com

Introducing the Churchill Manhattan, a cocktail that exudes sophistication with every sip. This refined blend of Scotch whisky offers a smoky and robust foundation, harmonizing perfectly with the sweet vermouth’s velvety richness. The addition of Cointreau adds a citrusy brightness, while fresh lime juice imparts a zesty twist, elevating the drink to a whole new level of complexity and balance. The Churchill Manhattan is a delightful fusion of flavors, a tribute to the classic Manhattan with a unique twist.


Chocolate Manhattan

Chocolate Manhattan
Source: heritagedistilling.com

Indulge in the delectable delight of the Chocolate Manhattan, a luxurious concoction that combines the rich and velvety notes of Cocoa Bomb Whiskey with the sumptuous sweetness of Jammy Vermouth. A few dashes of Aromatic Bitters add a tantalizing depth to the experience, while the garnish of orange peel and cherry offers a burst of citrusy freshness, complementing the chocolatey symphony. Perfect for cozy gatherings or after-dinner indulgence, the Chocolate Manhattan has swiftly become a favored drink for those seeking a touch of decadence in their cocktails. Sip and savor this enchanting elixir as it becomes the centerpiece of intimate celebrations and a treasured treat for the senses. 


Perfect Manhattan

Perfect Manhattan
Source: foodnetwork.com

The Perfect Manhattan cocktail boasts a delightful blend of rye whiskey, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters, creating a symphony of bold and balanced flavors. The rye whiskey offers a robust and spicy profile, while the combination of dry and sweet vermouths adds complexity and depth, enhanced by the aromatic touch of Angostura bitters. Commonly served in a classic cocktail glass, the Perfect Manhattan offers a luxurious and sophisticated experience. Let the Perfect Manhattan elevate your cocktail repertoire and transport you to a world of sophisticated sipping. 


Tequila Manhattan

Tequila Manhattan
Source: vintageamericancocktails.com

The Tequila Manhattan cocktail is a unique twist on the classic Manhattan, crafted with Angostura Bitters, Sweet Vermouth, and Anejo Tequila, setting it apart from traditional whiskey-based variations. The bold and complex flavors of Anejo Tequila infuse the cocktail with a delightful agave essence, offering a distinct taste experience that diverges from the standard Manhattan’s profile. Best served cold in a chilled cocktail glass, the Tequila Manhattan tantalizes the palate with its smoothness and intriguing blend of flavors. Experience the allure of agave with every sip, as this cocktail unveils a whole new world of delightful flavors.


Rhymes With Orange

Rhymes With Orange
Source: imbibemagazine.com

The Rhymes With Orange cocktail offers a tantalizing symphony of flavors, blending the boldness of rye whiskey with the smoky depth of Scotch. The Carpano Antica Vermouth infuses a luscious sweetness, while the Ramazzotti Amaro adds a unique herbal complexity.  A few dashes of orange bitters add a zesty twist, beautifully enhancing the drink’s profile. This drink’s intriguing balance of flavors makes it a cherished favorite, offering an unforgettable experience with every taste. 


Reverse Manhattan

Reverse Manhattan Garnish with a marasca cherry.
Source: liquor.com

The Reverse Manhattan, a delightful twist on the classic, boasts a sweet vermouth blend that enhances the cocktail’s richness. The robust rye whiskey forms a solid foundation, while the Angostura bitters add nuanced complexity, elevating the overall taste. Crowned with a marasca cherry garnish, this drink entices with its unique flavors, inviting cocktail enthusiasts to indulge in its captivating blend. Treat yourself to this masterful concoction and elevate your cocktail experience to a realm of unparalleled satisfaction. Cheers to the exquisite taste of the Reverse Manhattan!


Midnight Manhattan

Midnight Manhattan
Source: mklibrary.com

The Midnight Manhattan cocktail showcases the perfect marriage of Woodford Reserve’s smooth richness with the herbal complexity of Italian Amaro. The addition of Bitter Orange Liqueur and Heering Cherry Liqueur imparts a delightful fruity twist, while the aromatic touch of Orange Bitters enhances the overall profile. Garnished with an orange peel and cherry, this captivating drink offers a symphony of flavors that linger on the palate. Sip on Midnight Manhattan and immerse yourself in a nocturnal journey of exquisite taste. 


French Manhattan

French Manhattan Garnish with the cherry.
Source: punchdrink.com

The French Manhattan cocktail, a sophisticated twist on the classic, captivates with its rich blend of Cognac, sweet vermouth, Grand Marnier, and orange bitters. The Cognac offers a velvety smoothness, while the sweet vermouth adds a luscious sweetness, harmonizing perfectly with the citrusy notes of Grand Marnier and the aromatic touch of orange bitters. Indulge in the allure of French Manhattan, where French elegance meets Manhattan sophistication. Whether enjoyed as a nightcap or during a refined celebration, this cocktail is a testament to the artistry of mixology and a toast to the fusion of cultures in a single glass.


Night Train

Night Train garnish with a ORANGE TWIST
Source: imbibemagazine.com

The Night Train cocktail, a potent concoction, features an overproof bourbon that delivers a robust and intense flavor. The bitterness of Cynar and Ciociaro Amaro adds depth to the drink, while the Amargo-Vallet bitters offer a tantalizing herbal twist, creating a harmonious and bold taste experience. Perfect for adventurous cocktail enthusiasts and those seeking a bold drink, the Night Train is ideal for late-night gatherings and special occasions. Embrace the allure of the Night Train and revel in the mysteries of the evening with every unforgettable sip. Cheers to the daring spirit of the Night Train cocktail!


Canadian Manhattan

Canadian Manhattan
Source: liquor.com

The Canadian Manhattan cocktail is a delightful fusion of Lot 40 Canadian whisky, Odd Society bittersweet vermouth, and Bittered Sling Kensington aromatic bitters. The luscious sweetness of the vermouth and the intriguing herbal notes of the bitters complement the whisky’s smooth and rich profile. Commonly served in a classic cocktail glass, the Canadian Manhattan offers a sophisticated and well-balanced taste. Savor the Canadian Manhattan on cozy evenings or during gatherings with friends, as its refined taste makes it a perfect choice for intimate celebrations and occasions that call for an elevated cocktail experience. 


A Black Manhattan cocktail in a classic lowball glass. The drink is a dark, rich amber color, a mix of whiskey and Amaro, with a single large ice cube. It's garnished with a twist of orange peel and a maraschino cherry, adding a touch of elegance. The cocktail is set on a sleek, dark bar counter, with a backdrop of dimly lit bottles and glasses, creating an ambiance of sophistication and mystery. Soft lighting highlights the smooth texture and deep color of the drink, inviting a taste.

15 Manhattan Variation Recipes

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.8 from 6 votes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: manhattan variations
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Uncover the art of mixology with enticing Manhattan variations.

Instructions

  • Pick your favorite recipe
  • Gather all the needed ingredients
  • Prep a Manhattan variation in less than 5 minutes
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15 Most Popular Manhattan Variations
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4.84 from 6 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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Breckenridge distillery utilized traditional open-top Scottish style fermenters

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