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
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.
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