Perfect Manhattan Recipe

Robert’s Perfect Manhattan co*cktail is smoky and full-bodied, but isn’t as sweet as most – he uses rye instead of bourbon!

this Recipe

Table of Contents

Robert’s Perfect Manhattan Drink
What is a Perfect Manhattan?
How to make a Perfect Manhattan
Should a Perfect Manhattan be cold or room temperature?
Can the Perfect Manhattan be made in advance?
Perfect Manhattan Recipe FAQ
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Perfect Manhattan Recipe

Robert’s Perfect Manhattan Drink

To celebrate our anniversary one year, Robert and I visited the Palace Arms restaurant at the Brown Palace Hotel in downtown Denver. Opting to enjoy a pre-dinner co*cktail in their beautiful lobby, Robert noticed a Rye Manhattan on the drinks menu. While he wasn’t partial to Manhattans in the past (he felt they were too sweet), on this night he thought their use of rye instead of the traditional bourbon might lend better flavor. He was right – it was delicious! Shortly thereafter he created his own version of a Manhattan.

Robert follows the Brown Palace’s lead and uses rye whiskey in his Manhattan. The rest of his recipe calls for the traditional ingredients in a “Perfect” Manhattan. While creating his recipe, we both learned that there are several different types of Manhattan co*cktails (traditional, dry, perfect, etc.) – who knew! The basic differences are the liquor (rye or bourbon) and the type of vermouth (only sweet, only dry, or a combination of the two).

Perfect Manhattan Recipe - A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® (2)

What is a Perfect Manhattan?

A Perfect Manhattan is considered to have a nice balance of sweet and dry, and that’s why Robert uses its ingredients. In addition to rye, Robert includes both sweet and dry vermouth as well as bitters. He opts for a maraschino cherry garnish instead of the traditional lemon twist called for in the “Perfect” version. Speaking of maraschino cherries, Robert recommends Luxardo brand from Italy – they are more flavorful, not as sweet, and don’t have any artificial coloring added.

What is the difference between a Manhattan and a Perfect Manhattan?

A traditional Manhattan is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters. A Perfect Manhattan calls for whiskey, 50/50 sweet and dry vermouth, and bitters.

What does the word perfect mean in a Perfect Manhattan?

When “perfect” is an adjective describing a co*cktail, it means that sweet and dry vermouth are added in equal amounts.

How to make a Perfect Manhattan

Here’s how Robert makes his Manhattans:

Prep glasses.
Fill a martini or coupe glass with ice water to quickly chill; let stand 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and dry.
Prep shaker.
Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice cubes (large cubes won’t melt as quickly as small cubes in the spirits and/or liqueur).
Add ingredients and shake.
Add rye, vermouths and bitters. Shake well.
Strain and pour.
Pour through a co*cktail strainer into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish and serve.
Garnish with cherries, if desired, and serve.

Should a Perfect Manhattan be cold or room temperature?

Yes, Robert recommends serving Manhattans cold, but preferably not over ice, as the ice will melt and dilute all the wonderful flavors.

Can the Perfect Manhattan be made in advance?

Yes, Manhattans can be prepared ahead of time. Just measure out the ingredients ahead and place in a pitcher. When ready to serve, shake, strain, pour and garnish.