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This Classic Manhattan Cocktail comes together in minutes and with just THREE simple ingredients. The cherries are optional but highly recommended!

up close shot of manhattan cocktail (brownish orange liquid) in a coup cocktail glass and garnished with 3 dark maraschino cherries on a gold pick

I’ve posted a lot of fun cocktails over the years but I’m hoping to really focus on some of the classics in the coming week. They’re people’s favorites for a reason and if you haven’t tried many of these, ya need to!

Today, we’re making the quick and simple Manhattan Drink.

cocktail ingredients laid out for a manhattan drink: bourbon, sweet vermouth, 2 different kinds of bitters, and maraschino cherries

Manhattan Cocktail Ingredients:

Bourbon– I’m a huge sucker for the simple and easy to find Bulleit Bourbon but really whatever you have will work.
Sweet Vermouth– this is a key ingredient so don’t skip it! You want to make sure that you’re using SWEET vermouth as other types can be a bit bitter.
Bitters– there are several options when it comes to the bitters. I love my Manhattan with both aromatic plain bitters (this is what you’ll most commonly see in stores) as well as orange bitters if you can find it. HOWEVER, just one or the other will work too!
Cherries– these are a totally optional garnish but part of what make up the classic cocktail. I have a friend who often splashes a little bit of the cherry juice into her drink as well which is delicious (especially if you like sweeter cocktails). I’m a big fan of Luxardo and Bada Bing brand maraschino cherries but any ole cherries will do :)