Manhattan Cocktail Variations (Rye, Bourbon, Perfect & Little Italy)

Over the years, each of these Manhattan cocktail variations has become a classic in its own right. Here’s what to expect from each version, and how to make them great.

Why we love these recipes

I wasn’t born a whiskey lover. Even as gin began to feel like a natural part of the world in my early 20s, whiskey remained mysterious and always felt like it was meant for someone else. Or someone else’s dad. That feeling persisted for over a decade.

Well. I was wrong. If you’re here, you probably already know I was wrong.

These days I’m perfectly happy to sip on two fingers, neat. But the Manhattan makes whiskey loving so easy. Whether you make it with rye or bourbon, it’s got a little of everything: warmth, sweetness, a touch of bitterness. It’s at the top of the classic cocktails list for a reason.

I tend to shy away from too much sweetness in cocktails (and even in baked goods, for that matter). So the Perfect Manhattan — made with half sweet vermouth, half dry — feels even more balanced than the original. And the Little Italy — which swaps in a splash of Cynar for the bitters — is my favorite version of all.

Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong.

What you’ll need

Regardless of which variation you choose, this cocktail needs only a few upstanding ingredients, all of which are easy to keep on hand. Here’s a glance at what you’ll need.

For a Rye Manhattan

This is the absolute most classic version of this classic cocktail. It’s bracing and well-balanced.

• Rye whiskey has a dry, peppery, almost savory vibe that helps to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients. A classic Manhattan calls for an American rye.
• Next up, sweet vermouth (also called red vermouth or vermouth rosso). My favorite is Carpano Antica, which has hints of vanilla, citrus, and warming spices. Other good choices include Punt e Mes (which is more bitter), Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino (well-balanced), and even Dolin.
• Angostura (aromatic) bitters add a layer of woodsy spice and ensure that this cocktail stays balanced between gentle sweetness and bitterness.
• Luxardo cherries are the classic garish for this drink. Here’s how to make your own boozy maraschino cherries, in case you feel like leveling things the heck up.

For a Bourbon Manhattan

This cocktail is the richest, warmest, coziest version of itself.

• Instead of rye, you’ll use bourbon whiskey. Bourbon has a richer, softer profile than rye. It isn’t actually sweet, but it also doesn’t do the kind of heavy lifting that rye would to balance the sweetness of the vermouth and the cherries.
• Sweet vermouth
• Angostura bitters
• Luxardo cherries to garnish

For a Perfect Manhattan

This variation leans into a slightly drier, more complex profile that’s hard not to love.

• Rye whiskey
• Sweet vermouth
• In a Perfect Manhattan, you’ll also include some dry vermouth. Dolin is an easy, classic choice that won’t ruffle any feathers. Or try Carpano Dry.
• Angostura bitters
• You’ll swap in a classic lemon twist to garnish this drink, for a clean, aromatic vibe.

For a Little Italy

This modern classic was created by Audrey Saunders of NYC’s iconic and now-shuttered Pegu Club in 2005. Cynar subs in for the bitters, offering a subtle complexity.

• Rye whiskey
• Sweet vermouth
• Cynar (pronounced CHEE-nar) is an Italian amaro that’s great either on its own as a digestivo or mixed into cocktails. Though it’s made with artichokes, you won’t know it from the taste. It’s got a beautiful combination of sweetness, bitterness, and cozy spice, and it adds the perfect je ne sais quoi to this Manhattan cocktail variation. I’ve pictured the stronger 70-proof version because that’s what I have on hand these days, but you can absolutely use the original, lighter version.
• Luxardo cherries to garnish

How to make it

Here’s an overview of what you’ll do to make each of these beloved Manhattan cocktail variations. You can see the steps in action in the video that accompanies this post, and get all the details in the recipe card below.

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour (or dash!) in each of the liquid ingredients.
2. Stir well, until mixing glass is very cold.
3. Strain into a coupe glass.
4. Garnish and serve. That’s it!

Expert tips and FAQs

More favorite whiskey cocktails

• Boulevardier
• Corduroy
• Grumpy Gingerbread