Easy Brandy Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
This Brandy Manhattan cocktail has a complex flavor with a hint of fruitiness from the vermouth. We’re switching up a classic Manhattan and adding a bit of sweetness by using brandy instead of whiskey.
What makes this Brandy Manhattan so good?
- This is a fun, elevated twist on the original Manhattan, but we think it’s even better than the original.
- With minimal ingredients, this Brandy Manhattan is easy to adjust the ratio to suit your taste buds!
- The combination of flavors in this easy cocktail recipe makes this a reader favorite cocktail.
If you have any questions, please leave us a comment below and we will get back to you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brandy: We’re using brandy in this Manhattan! While this isn’t traditional, brandy is a bit sweeter and more floral than bourbon and it does wonderfully in this cocktail. It gives this simple cocktail a much different flavor than if you were to use whiskey. Plus, we love the smooth taste of brandy.
- Sweet vermouth: Sweet vermouth (red vermouth) adds a bitter fruitiness to the Manhattan.
- Angostura Bitters: Angostura bitters add warmth and spice notes, as well as an earthy flavor, to the Manhattan. A dash of bitters is a must.
- Maraschino Cherry or Luxardo cherries: For a classic garnish.
Tips and Tricks for this Brandy Manhattan
- Don’t have brandy on hand? Feel free to swap it out for bourbon or rye in this original recipe.
- If you don’t have it or you can’t find it at your local liquor store, try changing up the angostura bitters and using orange or cardamom bitters instead.
- Using Dry vermouth is very important as stale vermouth tends to taste a bit more sour.
- If you prefer this classic recipe on the sweeter side, you could add a dash of simple syrup to sweeten in up a little.
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker you can use a jar with a lid, and a strainer to make this classic cocktail recipe.
You can serve this perfect brandy Manhattan recipe in any mixing glass you like, but we recommend a martini glass. The step-by-step directions are in the recipe card below.
Other cocktail recipes
We’re also loving this French Blonde Cocktail. It’s simple to make and full of flavor.
Looking to stock up your home bar supplies? To get started, we suggest getting a Bartender Kit, a drinkware beginner set that includes a few different type of glasses and of course a few bottles of alcohol. (Think: Vodka, Rum, Whiskey, etc). Pair those with our cocktail recipes and you are off to a great start!
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Your comment and/or rating helps other readers!
Easy Brandy Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces brandy
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- Maraschino or Luxardo cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker (or mixing glass) with ice. Add the brandy, vermouth, and bitters.
- Gently stir to chill– about 10 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a martini or coupe glass and garnish with a cherry. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Don’t have brandy on hand? Feel free to swap it out for bourbon or rye!
- Try changing up the angostura bitters and using orange or cardamom bitters instead.
- We’re using brandy in this manhattan! While this isn’t traditional, brandy is a bit sweeter and more floral than bourbon and it does wonderfully in this cocktail.
- Sweet vermouth (red vermouth) adds a bitter fruitiness to the manhattan. Using fresh vermouth is very important as stale vermouth tends to taste a bit more sour.
- Angostura bitters add warmth and spice notes, as well as an earthy flavor, to the manhattan.
