You know it's good when you take a second sip before you put the glass down after the first sip. Love Manhattans and an Old Fashioned. I make mine very similar with cherry bitters and a vanilla simple syrup. Cheers!
@@slbdrinks Unfortunately here in PA I can’t get Willet Rye or Cocchi vermouth. I made do with Rittenhouse Rye and Spatola Sweet Vermouth. Can’t wait to try it with Willet and Cocchi.
Using simple syrup to "take out the rough edges" There are no rough edges in a Manhattan. Simply the nectar of the gods. I recommend chilling down the glass before you use it. Great video
Spot on. Minimal sugar and good bitters are make or break! On the low end, Old Forester Rye makes both a fantastic manhattan and old fashioned for around $25 a bottle
Just made and thouroughly enjoyed the Manhattan. Had to substitute Elijah Craig rye for the Willet and Woodford Cherry bitters for the Bittercube. Anxious to find the Bittercube and try it again. This is up there with the best Manhattans I've had so far. Thanks for revisiting it.
I’m from the Chicago area and every time I ordered a Manhattan it came on the rocks. Four years ago I went to visit my daughter in New York we went to the Rainbow Room. I ordered a Manhattan it came served like the one you made here. It hit that dark cherry in there and it was fantastic it was a whole new way to enjoy Manhattan’s.
@@slbdrinks I agree as well. The best Manhattan's I've had yet were onboard Viking Venus. I wish I knew the recipe they used, but I'm excited to try your recipe.
I started making Manhattans and then started making my old fashioneds with rye and 3 dashes of orange bitters and bar spoon of grenadine instead of the sugar and cherry. Shake and strained. Now it’s my favorite. An Old Manhattan.
Looks delicious. Rye Manhattans are great. Brandy is super sweet and good also. You should do a sweet vermouth challenge!! I would love to see it. I use Cinzano, and love it. Cocchi is good also.
Cool...my dad taught me how to do a perfect with 1/2 sweet & 1/2 dry vermouth, but will give this a try. Been expermenting with bitters will look that one up. thanks
Interesting and I will try. I usually am a Bourbon Manhattan drinker though. One day I was making a manhatten and forgot I didn't have the sweet vermouth. I substituted port wine. Have to say very enjoyable.
I, too have substituted port wine when I didn’t have sweet vermouth. It works in a pinch. Manhattans are my favorite. If you’re looking for a good rye, try Peerless. It’s pricey but delicious. Also, Antica Formula sweet vermouth was a game changer for me when I discovered it. Cheers! 🥃
I just watched the Hunter and you got a 'suscribe'. Your comment about these bitters brought both drinks to mind. I like the hint of cherry/vanilla idea - as well as the orange. I'll have to confess that I will experiment with a hybrid. I never considered the simple syrup. Great ideas. Thanks
Choice of bitters, or rye is a matter of preference (mine is Old Overholt Bonded) but two critical things : The original vermouth, Carpano Antica, is essential, as is the original true maraschino cherry, made from marasca cherries and not bleached and colored - Luxardo. Expensive vermouth and cherries? Yes. But game changing.
4:20 "Never fear! I got another one!" LOL Great video! I've experimented over the past few years making Manhattans with different whiskies, vermouths, and bitters. Like you, my favorite whiskey is a rye with LOTS of rye in it, and my fave vermouth is Cocchi. Haven't tried Bittercube yet, but want to after watching this. Thanks! I've also experimented with "black" Manhattans (use amaro instead of vermouth). The amaro is so spicy and aromatic I usually prefer a Bourbon instead of rye in that cocktail.
Yes to Willet! Hard to find around here, but worth it if you can find it. I recently had a great Manhattan that used a dash of orange bitters and a dash of chocolate bitters. Outstanding!
Thanks for the great videos. My fav is a Canadian rye. Forty Creek barrel select is my current no.1 for the Manhattan cocktail. As you suggest, will have to try with a different bitters from the old Angostura standard. Strong Like Bull!!
Looks delicious, I do something very similar. Instead of the simple syrup I add a half barspoon of the luxardo cherry syrup. Usually I go with Rittenhouse Rye or High West Double Rye, but recently purchased some Old Forrester Rye, so I will probably try that next. Cheers
Love your channel. I’m a big fan of the traditional Manhattan, but that looks delicious. I think I’m gonna have to keep an eye out for some of those bitters! Keep up the great work.
Instead of simple syrup, try a half teaspoon of Grand Marnier (with either the cherry bitters or regular Angostura). That’s my favorite (and it works with either rye or bourbon in a Manhattan).
This drink is like my personal "go to" at any event/bar. My impression is the recipe is the telephone area code for Manhattan (212) 2 shakes bitters, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2oz bourbon. I like a woodford manhattan personally. Any professional bartender should be trained to add the most expensive ingredient (usually the booze) last in a recipe in case you mess it up along the way and dump it. I'll have to give this recipe a *shake* sometime. Cheers!
I personally love rye whiskey in a Manhattan at no less than 2:1, but preferably closer to 3:1, whiskey to vermouth ratio. But if you need simple syrup to round out the rough edges of the cocktail, maybe a low rye bourbon or even a wheater may be just fine with the traditional cocktail and not need the extra step of simple syrup.
Great video and I'm glad you put this together. I remeber when you reviewed the Willet and I had just purchased my first bottle of it around that same time. My son and I both were not a fan of the Willett because my bottle has so much of a clover bite to it. I remember you had replied to my comment and mentioned the Manhattan being a perfect candidate for that Rye. I was hoping I would see how you made yours using the Willet and here we are....lol I'm going to go get some of that Vermouth and do my best to find that paticular bitter. I have a few different bitters to try if I can't find that one. Thanks for sharing the recipe and since tonight is Christmas eve.......Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you to you as well for spending time with us this year! Time is our most precious commodity and it is very humbling that so many took the time to spend with us. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
I realize you say rye but do you appose a Manhattan with say a Old Grandad BIB? I am onboard with a smokey cherry bitters. Willett is out of my price range. I am a blue collar but I enjoy a classic well built cocktail.
I usually like bourbon in a Manhattan because I like them a little sweeter. However, I don't usually add simple syrup for a Manhattan. That might turn me around on a rye Manhattan. Willett Rye for a Manhattan though? I'll probably never see it in my area, I'm about as far from Kentucky as you can get. Any other suggestions for a rye Manhattan?
Absolutely. Try to choose anything with a high rye mash bill. High West double rye for example. If not I am also fond of the old forester rye. Just a table spoon of simple syrup makes all the difference in the world.
Amount of bitters depends on the type of bitters. I like one shake of Angostura bitters, or two shakes for cherry bitters, but for walnut bitters ONLY one drop is perfect.
If you really want to enhance that drink, try it with Pikesville Straight Rye and you might be surprised to get a little vanilla cherry coke flavor to the cocktail. Thanks again for another great upload.
Hi Kurt, I do concur this is delicious. I have an annoying question. If you did a blind taste test and substituted for Willett the following less expensive ryes: Pikesville, Wild Turkey 101 and Old Forester 100, if the version with Willett scores 100, what do you predict the others would score if all the other ingredients were the same?
I think the cocktail would still be very good. For me, there is just something about that Willet bottle that really elevates the Manhattan however reality is a lesser expensive rye would def be more cost effective.
You have some non-traditional proportions in both videos, and I wonder if that's why you feel the need for simple syrup. The traditional Manhattan is 2-1-2, after the area code of Manhattan. That's 2 oz whisky, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes bitters. Have you tried it the traditional way and still prefer the higher whisky to vermouth ratio?
I have tried both ways yes. The ratio I use I found in a death and co book I believe. I tried it and liked it a lot better. Good point with the simple syrup. I understand the need would be less or nonexistent with the traditional ratio. Excellent thought on your part.
Loose the special cherry bitters and simple syrup, replace with Angasura bitters (which everyone has) and replace simple syrup with Luxardo cherry juice.
I like the way you made this however to me it is better if you use a little less vermouth. I feel that much vermouth takes too much away from the star of the show the Rye.
Great channel and cocktail recipes. I’ve subscribed and stolen a bunch of recipes already. You might want to consider turning off auto-focus on the camera. It tends to lose you occasionally and focus as a result. 👍 🍹
You know it's good when you take a second sip before you put the glass down after the first sip. Love Manhattans and an Old Fashioned. I make mine very similar with cherry bitters and a vanilla simple syrup. Cheers!
Wow that sounds wonderful as well!
I’ve tried your version along with many others and your version of the Manhattan Cocktail is absolutely the best I’ve had. Thanks and keep ‘em coming.
Wow that’s great! Glad you liked it!
@@slbdrinks
Unfortunately here in PA I can’t get Willet Rye or Cocchi vermouth. I made do with Rittenhouse Rye and Spatola Sweet Vermouth. Can’t wait to try it with Willet and Cocchi.
Using simple syrup to "take out the rough edges" There are no rough edges in a Manhattan. Simply the nectar of the gods. I recommend chilling down the glass before you use it. Great video
I watch alot of you tube shows, you're becoming my favorite! Fast
Humbled but very thankful!
Spot on. Minimal sugar and good bitters are make or break!
On the low end, Old Forester Rye makes both a fantastic manhattan and old fashioned for around $25 a bottle
I watched this video and tried your recipe . . . it is outstanding! Thanks again '-)
Just made and thouroughly enjoyed the Manhattan. Had to substitute Elijah Craig rye for the Willet and Woodford Cherry bitters for the Bittercube. Anxious to find the Bittercube and try it again. This is up there with the best Manhattans I've had so far. Thanks for revisiting it.
That’s awesome! So glad you enjoyed it!
I’m from the Chicago area and every time I ordered a Manhattan it came on the rocks. Four years ago I went to visit my daughter in New York we went to the Rainbow Room. I ordered a Manhattan it came served like the one you made here. It hit that dark cherry in there and it was fantastic it was a whole new way to enjoy Manhattan’s.
I agree! I have had both as well. I very much like the Manhattan served up rather than on the rocks.
@@slbdrinks I agree as well. The best Manhattan's I've had yet were onboard Viking Venus. I wish I knew the recipe they used, but I'm excited to try your recipe.
I started making Manhattans and then started making my old fashioneds with rye and 3 dashes of orange bitters and bar spoon of grenadine instead of the sugar and cherry. Shake and strained. Now it’s my favorite. An Old Manhattan.
Love it! See, that’s what I stress with everyone, take the bones of a great cocktail recipe and than make it your own! Good job!
Ahh yes..this vid popped up just in time for me to enjoy my favorite Fall/ Winter cocktail.
Fantastic! Hope you enjoy!
Yep! A little simple syrup is the key! Makes all the difference in the world!
So much agree! Even when I mix the last word cocktail I add a Tspoon of ss. Just rounds out the cocktail and softens the edges.
I made this w exact ingredients except pikesville rye and it was one of the best beverages I’ve ever had. Great recipe
Looking forward to trying this, Happy New Year.
Thanks so much! Best of holidays to you and your family as well!
Looks delicious. Rye Manhattans are great. Brandy is super sweet and good also. You should do a sweet vermouth challenge!! I would love to see it. I use Cinzano, and love it. Cocchi is good also.
my go-to Manhattan recipe...cheers!
Fantastic. You are a rye person for sure.
Love the quality of your videos and love your personality!
Thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated!
Cool...my dad taught me how to do a perfect with 1/2 sweet & 1/2 dry vermouth, but will give this a try. Been expermenting with bitters will look that one up. thanks
Interesting and I will try. I usually am a Bourbon Manhattan drinker though. One day I was making a manhatten and forgot I didn't have the sweet vermouth. I substituted port wine. Have to say very enjoyable.
Not much of a wine drinker but I do prefer port more than other selections. Sounds interesting.
I, too have substituted port wine when I didn’t have sweet vermouth. It works in a pinch. Manhattans are my favorite. If you’re looking for a good rye, try Peerless. It’s pricey but delicious. Also, Antica Formula sweet vermouth was a game changer for me when I discovered it. Cheers! 🥃
There is certainly a lot of hootch in that mixing tumbler! I'm heading to the kitchen!
You go! 😂
Sensational! Can’t wait to have one tonight.
I prefer Rye with a minimum of 100 proof for my Manhattan's, which is my cocktail of choice.
Excellent video as always.
Absolutely can’t go wrong with that! I also prefer a higher ABV rye for a Manhattan.
I just watched the Hunter and you got a 'suscribe'.
Your comment about these bitters brought both drinks to mind. I like the hint of cherry/vanilla idea - as well as the orange.
I'll have to confess that I will experiment with a hybrid. I never considered the simple syrup.
Great ideas.
Thanks
Thanks so much for joining us! The key with any cocktail recipe is feel free to tweak the measurements to fit your personal taste! Make it your own!
Choice of bitters, or rye is a matter of preference (mine is Old Overholt Bonded) but two critical things : The original vermouth, Carpano Antica, is essential, as is the original true maraschino cherry, made from marasca cherries and not bleached and colored - Luxardo. Expensive vermouth and cherries? Yes.
But game changing.
4:20 "Never fear! I got another one!" LOL
Great video! I've experimented over the past few years making Manhattans with different whiskies, vermouths, and bitters. Like you, my favorite whiskey is a rye with LOTS of rye in it, and my fave vermouth is Cocchi. Haven't tried Bittercube yet, but want to after watching this. Thanks!
I've also experimented with "black" Manhattans (use amaro instead of vermouth). The amaro is so spicy and aromatic I usually prefer a Bourbon instead of rye in that cocktail.
Yes to Willet! Hard to find around here, but worth it if you can find it. I recently had a great Manhattan that used a dash of orange bitters and a dash of chocolate bitters. Outstanding!
Sounds delicious!
Good mix and great Rye. The only one thing I prefer more is having it without the simple syrup.
Thanks for the great videos. My fav is a Canadian rye. Forty Creek barrel select is my current no.1 for the Manhattan cocktail. As you suggest, will have to try with a different bitters from the old Angostura standard. Strong Like Bull!!
Looks delicious, I do something very similar. Instead of the simple syrup I add a half barspoon of the luxardo cherry syrup. Usually I go with Rittenhouse Rye or High West Double Rye, but recently purchased some Old Forrester Rye, so I will probably try that next. Cheers
The cherry syrup sounds great with the rye!
Is this branded as the luxardo “sour cherry” syrup? I like the idea of the cherry juice or syrup as well
And with the syrup do you opt for regular bitters instead of whats pictured here on vid?
You can buy an actual jar of cocktail cherries brand name Luxardo. In the jar with the cherries is a beautiful cherry type flavor of syrup.
@@slbdrinks awesome thanks, i was wondering if the “sour cherry” syrup they sell in bottle was too tart maybe
Love your channel. I’m a big fan of the traditional Manhattan, but that looks delicious. I think I’m gonna have to keep an eye out for some of those bitters! Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much! Plz give it a try and let me know what you think!
Thank you. I just followed along.
Yep
I would like to try the bitter you used in the new recipe and I going to look for I high mass rye
Plz let me know what you think!
Instead of simple syrup, try a half teaspoon of Grand Marnier (with either the cherry bitters or regular Angostura). That’s my favorite (and it works with either rye or bourbon in a Manhattan).
Great idea! Appreciate the recommendation!
I concur.
Fantastic! Thank you!
This drink is like my personal "go to" at any event/bar. My impression is the recipe is the telephone area code for Manhattan (212) 2 shakes bitters, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2oz bourbon. I like a woodford manhattan personally. Any professional bartender should be trained to add the most expensive ingredient (usually the booze) last in a recipe in case you mess it up along the way and dump it. I'll have to give this recipe a *shake* sometime. Cheers!
All great thoughts! Thanks for the comment!
i think most people would say the area code is 917
@@masonreed6845 917 was added in 1992 due to demand for more numbers. 212 is the OG area code for the area.
Though 9 oz of bourbon doesn’t sound all bad.
I put in an extra splash of vernouth. No need for any syrup in my opinion but i love vermouth. Whistlepig 6 year rye is my go to
Love me a good Manhattan. Will be making one this evening. Enjoy
Thank you! Cheers
I like maraschino cherry juice insetd of simple syryp and a high rye burbon like Redemption.
Excellent combo!
Try it with High West Double Rye! Really good!
Will do! Sounds like a good choice!
Damn this Manhattan looks spectacular!!
Aww thanks so much!
@@slbdrinks You are so welcome! :-)
orange bitters
some of the cherry syrup
3 parts makers mark
1 part 50/50 sweet vermouth and DiSaronno
twist orange peel
one good cocktail cherry
Sounds great! I will give it a try!
Love these vids !!
Much appreciated!
Try Christian Brothers VSQ brandy and Gallo sweet vermouth. Delicious and inexpensive.
Thanks for the recommendations!
I switched from bourbon to rye whiskey for Manhattans about 15 years ago. I have stuck with it since.
I am with you 💯!
I personally love rye whiskey in a Manhattan at no less than 2:1, but preferably closer to 3:1, whiskey to vermouth ratio. But if you need simple syrup to round out the rough edges of the cocktail, maybe a low rye bourbon or even a wheater may be just fine with the traditional cocktail and not need the extra step of simple syrup.
Good point. I think I will give a high rye bourbon a shot!
Can you do this for an old fashioned
Both videos seem fine to me. My mix is 2 dashes of ango bitters, 1 oz carpano antica, 2 oz pikesville rye. Cheers
Nice!
My mix is very similar, except I use Maraschino cherry syrup (from a jar of cherries) instead of the simple syrup. Delicious.
That does sound good!
Great video and I'm glad you put this together. I remeber when you reviewed the Willet and I had just purchased my first bottle of it around that same time. My son and I both were not a fan of the Willett because my bottle has so much of a clover bite to it. I remember you had replied to my comment and mentioned the Manhattan being a perfect candidate for that Rye. I was hoping I would see how you made yours using the Willet and here we are....lol I'm going to go get some of that Vermouth and do my best to find that paticular bitter. I have a few different bitters to try if I can't find that one. Thanks for sharing the recipe and since tonight is Christmas eve.......Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you to you as well for spending time with us this year! Time is our most precious commodity and it is very humbling that so many took the time to spend with us.
Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
I realize you say rye but do you appose a Manhattan with say a Old Grandad BIB? I am onboard with a smokey cherry bitters. Willett is out of my price range. I am a blue collar but I enjoy a classic well built cocktail.
I feel h the whiskey selection in a Manhattan is subjective. I like rye but I highly recommend using a whiskey you enjoy.
Love a good Manhattan and cant wait to try your version. Thanks for hosting a great series. When is Happy Hour?
All day every day 😂
Try a black Manhattan whenever u get the chance , by far my favorite version Manhattan
I will definitely do that!
I usually like bourbon in a Manhattan because I like them a little sweeter. However, I don't usually add simple syrup for a Manhattan. That might turn me around on a rye Manhattan.
Willett Rye for a Manhattan though? I'll probably never see it in my area, I'm about as far from Kentucky as you can get. Any other suggestions for a rye Manhattan?
Absolutely. Try to choose anything with a high rye mash bill. High West double rye for example. If not I am also fond of the old forester rye. Just a table spoon of simple syrup makes all the difference in the world.
Amount of bitters depends on the type of bitters. I like one shake of Angostura bitters, or two shakes for cherry bitters, but for walnut bitters ONLY one drop is perfect.
Would you use those same bitters for an old fashioned as well?
You absolutely can but I have not tried yet. Think I will very soon! Thanks for the idea!
Yummy 🤤
I use the syrup from the cherries instead of your simple syrup. That gets me the sweet and the cherry flavor.
If you really want to enhance that drink, try it with Pikesville Straight Rye and you might be surprised to get a little vanilla cherry coke flavor to the cocktail. Thanks again for another great upload.
Hey that’s a great idea! I will def do that!
I made some manhattans that way, Pikesville and Carpano Antico Sweet Vermouth - was way too herbal for me.
Hi Kurt, I do concur this is delicious. I have an annoying question. If you did a blind taste test and substituted for Willett the following less expensive ryes: Pikesville, Wild Turkey 101 and Old Forester 100, if the version with Willett scores 100, what do you predict the others would score if all the other ingredients were the same?
I think the cocktail would still be very good. For me, there is just something about that Willet bottle that really elevates the Manhattan however reality is a lesser expensive rye would def be more cost effective.
Is that cherry bitters a common brand in a good store, or is it some exotic we will never find
I haven’t seen it in to many stores but it can be ordered online. I did find mine in a store though.
Bittercube cherry bark vanilla bitters
Kurt try a Manhattan using Rebel 100 AWESOME!
Where do you get those bottles for your simple syrup and juices? I want some for my bar!
Amazon my friend. Many to choose from.
What rye would you reccomend if i cant find the one in this vid?
Pikesville rye is excellent! If you find it the cost should be bout 40.00.
@@slbdrinks awesome thanks, not bad at all. Whats it labeled as, any special year or just rye whiskey
1 oz Whistle pig 10 year
2 oz Sweet vermouth
Eli mason Cherry or two and a tbs of the juice
A few drops of Smoke bitters
Great way to mix a less spirit forward Manhattan! Cheers!
I like the smoke bitters to!
You have some non-traditional proportions in both videos, and I wonder if that's why you feel the need for simple syrup. The traditional Manhattan is 2-1-2, after the area code of Manhattan. That's 2 oz whisky, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes bitters. Have you tried it the traditional way and still prefer the higher whisky to vermouth ratio?
I have tried both ways yes. The ratio I use I found in a death and co book I believe. I tried it and liked it a lot better. Good point with the simple syrup. I understand the need would be less or nonexistent with the traditional ratio. Excellent thought on your part.
YUMMY!!!!
Loose the special cherry bitters and simple syrup, replace with Angasura bitters (which everyone has) and replace simple syrup with Luxardo cherry juice.
Always be prepared 1 is none 2 is one three is for me
Rittenhouse is my go to well mixer for Manhattans
Try this, instead of the simple syrup use about a bar spoon's worth of the syrup in the Luxardo jar
Use the syrup from Luxardo cherries for your Manhattan. It’ll change your life. You’ll never want anything else.
how are those very old saint nicks behind your head?
Right?? The maple rye is actually pretty good. It isn’t syrupy like other flavored whiskeys. Nice pour on a cold winter night.
My wife’s favorite. Rye, vermouth, maraschino cherry juice & the cherry. No bitters. She doesn’t like it. Shaken, not stirred.
Really?? That sounds very interesting! I love the fact that she made the cocktail into something she loves!
Yea beth!!!
❤️👍
Thank you!
I like the way you made this however to me it is better if you use a little less vermouth. I feel that much vermouth takes too much away from the star of the show the Rye.
Tweak the recipe to your tastes! If you make any cocktail at home I always encourage folks to make it your own!
Drinking a old fashion as I watch
Great channel and cocktail recipes. I’ve subscribed and stolen a bunch of recipes already. You might want to consider turning off auto-focus on the camera. It tends to lose you occasionally and focus as a result. 👍 🍹
Appreciate your input! We were having difficulty with the camera but Trent has figured that out in our most recent videos.
Thanks for joining us!
Order that out and get a 20 ready
Indeed! Why I mix this one at home! There are other quality budget ryes but a Willet Manhattan is next level!