How to Make the Perfect Manhattan – the Durham Distillery Way

Masterfully Crafted with Canadian Rye, All-Natural Bitters, and Timeless Technique

In the world of cocktails, few classics offer the pure elegance of a Manhattan. For those of us who believe real tastes better, it’s the gold standard—a cocktail that elevates great whisky without masking it. Whether it’s your first Manhattan or your fiftieth, this guide brings a Canadian craft perspective to one of the world’s most iconic drinks.

The Manhattan: A Spirit-Lover’s Classic

More than just a cocktail, the Manhattan is a ritual. With roots dating back to

19th-century New York, it’s built on bold whisky, herbaceous vermouth, and just the right hit of bitters. There’s lore and mystery behind its origin—one story credits the Manhattan Club in NYC; another nods to a Broadway bartender. One of our favourite theories? Manhattan’s 212 area code inspires it: 2 oz whisky, 1 oz vermouth, 2 dashes of bitters.

What remains unchanged is its enduring appeal. A proper Manhattan is all about balance, showcasing the spirit at its core.

Choosing the Right Whisky: Why Rye Leads the Way

At Durham Distillery, we’re proud to craft whisky that lovers can believe in—honest, all-natural, and built to stand out in a cocktail or on its own. For the Manhattan, rye whisky offers a spicier backbone that plays beautifully with sweet vermouth and bitters.

Our Pick:

• • Firehouse Spirits – Canadian 100% Rye Whisky – Bold, complex, and crafted without compromise, this rye is distilled from Canadian grain and aged to deliver real depth.

Want to experiment? Bourbon can bring a rounder, softer flavour, but rye is the gold standard for those who appreciate structure and spice.

Vermouth: The Unsung Hero of the Manhattan

Not all vermouth is created equal. It introduces nuance and sweetness as a fortified wine infused with herbs and botanicals.

• • Sweet Vermouth (Italian) offers richness and warmth, with notes of caramel, spice, and dried fruit.
    
  • Dry Vermouth (French) leans herbal and crisp.

While tradition leans heavily on sweet vermouth, we recommend a blend of both to highlight the whisky’s character without overpowering it—especially when using a well-structured Canadian rye like Firehouse.

The Final Touch: Bitters and Garnish

Bitters are essential. They tie everything together, adding layers of spice and aroma.

We recommend:

Durham Distillery Cocktail Companion Aromatic Bitters – Crafted with all-natural botanicals, this staple is the secret behind many of our favourite bar creations.

Garnish with care:

Opt for cocktail cherries with real depth—avoid the neon red. We love Sullivan Luxury Cocktail Cherries, which you can find in our tasting room and shop.

Glassware & Technique: The Ritual Matters

A Manhattan is meant to be sipped and savoured. Serve it neat, in a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Never shaken—always stirred.

How to Make a Durham Distillery Manhattan:

1. 1. Add 2 oz Firehouse Spirits 100% Canadian Rye Whisky,
      ¼ oz sweet vermouth,
      ¼ oz dry vermouth,
      and 2 dashes of Durham Distillery Aromatic Bitters into a mixing glass.
   2. Add ice and stir for 30 seconds until properly chilled.
   3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
   4. Garnish with 2–3 cocktail cherries.

Pro Tips:

• • Chill your glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes for the perfect pour.
    
  • For easy entertaining, batch your base and store it in the freezer—2 cups whisky, ½ cup vermouth, bitters to taste.

Real Tastes Better: Why This Cocktail Matters

At Durham Distillery, every bottle tells a story. Our spirits are masterfully crafted with real, all-natural ingredients—never rushed, never artificial. The Manhattan is a canvas for that philosophy. It’s not about flashy garnishes or unnecessary flair. It’s about balance, quality, and celebrating the craftsmanship behind every pour.

Whether you’re discovering this drink for the first time or fine-tuning your own recipe, the Manhattan remains a cocktail worth coming back to.

More Craft. Less Compromise.

Looking to elevate your home bar? Please stop by our retail store, explore our online shop, or subscribe for more founder insights, cocktail inspiration, and early access to limited-edition spirits.

Because at Durham Distillery, we don’t cut corners. We cut through the noise—with flavour, authenticity, and a belief that real tastes better.