Enjoy winter with this easy Brandy Manhattan recipe! You can make it with brandy, sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitters - a perfect cocktail to warm you up.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
187
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy or Cognac
- 1 oz sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange zest twist and maraschino cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Glass (Martini or coupe style)
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirring Glass
- Cocktail Strainer
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your cocktail glass with ice. Set it aside.
- Add Bitters: Pour 2 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters into the stirring glass.
- Add Vermouth: Measure and pour 1 oz sweet Vermouth into the stirring glass as well.
- Add Brandy: Add 2 oz Brandy or Cognac.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the stirring glass with ice. Using a bar spoon or a long stirrer, stir well (for about 15-20 seconds). Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary.
- Strain: Take your Martini glass or cocktail coupe and discard the ice. Using the cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Express an orange twist on top of the drink and discard it. Drop a maraschino cherry into the glass for garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Brandy: If you don't have brandy, bourbon is a great alternative to give the cocktail a slightly different flavor profile. Rye whiskey can also work in a pinch.
- Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used as a substitute for a less sweet cocktail. Trying with a sherry wine is another alternative.
- Angostura Bitters: If you're out of Angostura bitters, orange bitters can be used instead. They'll add a different flavor but still complement the other ingredients nicely.
Making a Pitcher of Brandy Manhattan:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of brandy, 8 oz of sweet vermouth, and 16 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the brandy, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with a cherry, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Brandy Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic brandy substitute; these are available in most supermarkets and do an excellent job of mimicking the flavor of brandy.
- Vermouth Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic vermouth substitute or make a simple syrup infused with herbs and spices to mimic the flavor.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Cherry Garnish: Ensure that the cherry used for garnish is not maraschino cherries, as they are often colored with cochineal (a non-vegan dye). Opt for fresh cherries or ensure that your maraschino cherries are vegan-friendly.
What is a Brandy Manhattan?
A Brandy Manhattan is a brandy-based classic cocktail made of brandy, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s easy to make as it only involves the combination of these three ingredients in appropriate proportions. The Brandy Manhattan is a variant of the well-known whiskey Manhattan cocktail; however, this version substitutes whiskey with brandy for those who prefer its smoother and slightly sweeter taste profile.
What is a Brandy Manhattan made of – The ingredients
A Brandy Manhattan requires the following ingredients:
- Brandy: This is the cocktail’s base spirit, providing a rich, warming depth of flavor.
- Sweet Vermouth: Adds a complex sweetness and herbal notes to balance the strong brandy.
- Angostura Bitters: A few dashes enhance the cocktail’s overall flavor profile, adding a layer of complexity to its botanical ingredients.
- Maraschino Cherry: Serves as a garnish, adding a touch of sweetness and an elegant visual appeal to the drink.
- Orange Peel: Used for garnish, it imparts a subtle citrus aroma that complements the other ingredients.
