Abbie

Published on December 6, 2021

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Enjoy the holiday season with a spicy, warming Manhattan with Rye. Full of complex flavors and an easy drink to make at home for the seasoned whiskey lover.

As winter sets in here in the Big Apple, it’s one of my favorite times of the year to make spicier cocktails. While some whiskey lovers can drink Manhattans all year, personally I prefer them in the colder season.

You may remember a couple of months ago I shared my Rum Mule and Grapefruit Martini, which are both delicious so make sure you save those for the warmer weather. So it was only appropriate that I shared a few that were a better fit for the holiday season.

Also, if you really like whiskey you should definitely indulge in my Whiskey Cranberry Cocktail. It’s also a great holiday drink with the addition of cranberry!

manhattan with rye garnished with cherries on toothpicks

Rye vs. Bourbon: What’s the Difference?

Even though they are both in the whiskey family, rye is spicier and has a more peppery taste. Whereas bourbon is sweeter and a tad bit more mellow.

In order to be considered a rye, the mash must consist of at least 51% of rye grain. Bourbon uses a corn base mash, which is partly where the sweetness comes from.

It’s not uncommon to see Manhattans made with bourbon, but I would rather use rye.

What You Need for a Manhattan with Rye

Rye

Sweet vermouth

Bitters

Garnish with a cherry if you please!

How to Make a Manhattan with Rye

Using a cocktail shaker, add a few cubes of ice, rye, bitters, and vermouth and stir.

Strain into your favorite cocktail glass. Traditionally people drink these from a martini glass.

Garnish with a cherry.

What is Vermouth?

Oddly enough vermouth is not a spirit, but a fortified wine. This means it actually has more alcohol added to it and it’s also infused with herbs.

Difference Between Manhattan and Old Fashioned

The main difference between these two whiskey cocktails is the ratios of ingredients, along with vermouth being used in a Manhattan whereas sugar is used in an Old Fashioned.

manhattan with rye in a stemed glass

Why You Shouldn’t Shake Manhattan Ryes

For starters, it’s unnecessary and it adds more air into the Manhattan. When most hear “cocktail shaker,” they think of the bartender shaking it up and doing a long pour, but you should only shake a cocktail if it contains dairy or juices. Otherwise, you can just stir.

More Easy Cocktails and Mocktails:

Manhattan with Rye

Enjoy the holiday season with a spicy, warming Manhattan with Rye. Full of complex flavors and an easy drink to make at home for the seasoned whiskey lover.