The manhattan is an indispensable, classic bourbon cocktail. Although you can serve it on the rocks, it is classically served straight up in a cocktail glass. Tip: Keep your vermouth in the refrigerator to maintain the best quality.
1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 ounces bourbon
1 maraschino cherry
Place the vermouth, bitters, and bourbon in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice. Stir or shake well.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry.
For a dry manhattan, use dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth.
For a perfect manhattan, use 1/4 ounce each of sweet and dry vermouth and rye instead of bourbon.