As a whiskey lover and seasoned bartender, I’ve seen countless people struggle to choose between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned, two of the most iconic whiskey cocktails.
These classic cocktails have fantastic flavors and share some ingredients, but they taste very different. If you’re trying to understand their differences or can’t decide between them, here’s what you need to know.
What’s The Difference Between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned
The main difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned lies in their ingredients: a Manhattan uses whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, while an Old Fashioned combines bourbon or rye, sugar, and bitters.
This results in distinct flavor profiles: the Manhattan is a smooth, slightly sweet cocktail. On the other hand, an Old Fashioned allows the rich taste of the whiskey to shine through, balanced by the sweetness of sugar or simple syrup.
Their presentation also sets them apart: a Manhattan is typically served up in a cocktail glass garnished with a cherry, while an Old Fashioned is often presented on the rocks in a short tumbler glass, garnished with an orange twist.
What about calories and alcohol content?
A Manhattan generally has a lower alcohol content (30-35% ABV) than an Old Fashioned (35-40% ABV) due to the addition of vermouth, which is lower in alcohol than whiskey.
A Manhattan has about 185 calories per serving, while an Old Fashioned, with its higher sugar content, can reach 195 calories
How Do a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned share similarities?
Both share several similarities despite their distinct recipes and presentations:
- Whiskey Base: While the type of whiskey used may vary (bourbon or rye), whiskey’s rich, robust flavor is a common element.
- Bitters: Both cocktails incorporate bitters, providing a subtle, aromatic bitterness.
- Garnishes: Both are garnished with a citrus twist or a cherry
- Classic Appeal: The two are both classic cocktails with long histories.
- Simple Preparation: Both drinks are simple to prepare, focusing on key ingredients to create a well-balanced drink.
What is an Old Fashioned?
An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that combines whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters. This simple mixture creates a rich, smooth drink with a balance of sweetness and aromatic depth. You can garnish it with an orange twist or a cherry to add a hint of fruitiness.
The drink inspired various takes and modifications. For instance, some versions use rye whiskey for a spicier taste, while others might opt for bourbon for a sweeter, fuller flavor. Some Old Fashioneds even feature a simple syrup infused with flavors like maple or cherry.
If you enjoy an Old Fashioned, you will also like Whiskey Sour, Sazerac, and Mint Julep cocktails.
What is a Manhattan?
A Manhattan cocktail blends whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness. It is served in a chilled cocktail glass, often garnished with a maraschino cherry.
The cocktail invites personalization, leading to a variety of versions. We prefer rye whiskey for its spicy edge, while others might choose bourbon for a softer, sweeter profile. There’s also the choice between sweet vermouth for the classic Manhattan and dry vermouth for a dryer, sharper twist known as the Dry Manhattan. Additionally, the Perfect Manhattan uses equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth, offering a middle-ground option.
If you enjoy a Manhattan, you’ll appreciate these classic cocktails: Rob Roy, which swaps the American whiskey for Scotch, and the Boulevardier, essentially a whiskey-based Negroni.
Which one is sweeter?
They both alcohol-forward cocktails. The Old Fashioned, thanks to the presence of pure sugar, may result sweeter than a Manhattan which opts for a more complex sweetness coming from the aromatics of vermouth.
More comparisons
FAQs
Which one is better?
If you prefer a smooth and slightly herbal cocktail, you will enjoy a Manhattan. If you like your drink to have a stronger whiskey flavor balanced by sweetness, then an Old Fashioned will be your choice. The choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference for the specific characteristics of each drink.
What are the two main types of Old Fashioned?
The two main types of cocktails focus on the choice of spirit used as the base: Bourbon or Rye. Bourbon gives a milder, sweeter drink. Rye gives a distinctive bite and a less sweet profile.
Which one is older?
The Old Fashioned is older than the Manhattan. The origins of the Old Fashioned trace back to the early 19th century, while the Manhattan was first mixed in New York City during the mid-19th century.
Is an Old Fashioned a popular drink to order at the bar?
Yes, it’s popular and common. To order an Old Fashioned at the bar, tell the bartender which type of whiskey you want.
