Russ' Manhattan Cocktail recipe
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Russ' Manhattan sits firmly in the Manhattan family: a whiskey-and-vermouth stirred-style drink defined by spirit-forward elegance and aromatic bitters. While the original Manhattan is a well-known template, this variation reads as a bourbon-leaning, modern house take—built for drinkers who like the classic shape but want a rounder, sweeter whiskey base in a rocks-glass serve.
With bourbon as the backbone, you’ll find a warm, full-bodied sweetness that carries the drink from first sip to finish. Red vermouth adds a rich, winey sweetness that softens the bourbon’s edges and brings a deeper, darker fruit tone to the middle of the palate. Orange bitters tie it all together: their bright citrus lift cuts through the richness, adds a gentle snap of spice, and keeps the finish clean and aromatic rather than heavy.
Serve it when you want something confident and unfussy—an after-work pour, a slow pre-dinner sipper, or a nightcap that still feels polished. It suits bourbon fans who enjoy a touch of vermouth sweetness, and it’s ideal when you’re in the mood for a classic-leaning cocktail that stays bold without becoming sharp.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Bourbon leads with warm vanilla and oak, while red vermouth adds a dark, winey sweetness that rounds the edges, and orange bitters layer bright citrus peel and gentle spice through the sip. The smaller vermouth pour keeps it spirit-forward, and the orange bitters lift and tighten the finish, making it ideal for bourbon lovers who want a slightly sweeter, aromatic rocks-glass sipper.
Method
How to make a Russ' Manhattan
- Bourbon 45ml, Red vermouth 15ml, Orange bitters 4dash
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- Add ingredients to a lowball glass on the rocks and stir
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FAQ's
What kind of bourbon is best for Russ' Manhattan?
For Russ' Manhattan, a high-quality bourbon with a robust flavor profile is preferred. Look for bourbons that are well-balanced, slightly sweet, with a smooth finish. Brands that have a good reputation for cocktails include Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, and Woodford Reserve. The choice of bourbon can significantly influence the taste of the cocktail, so selecting one that complements the vermouth and orange bitters is key.
How should I garnish Russ' Manhattan?
Russ' Manhattan is traditionally garnished with a maraschino cherry, which adds a touch of sweetness and color to the drink. You could also consider adding a twist of orange peel to enhance the citrus notes from the orange bitters. To do so, carefully cut a thin strip of orange peel, ensuring little to no white pith is included, and twist it over the drink to release its essential oils before dropping it in.
What is the best way to serve Russ' Manhattan?
Russ' Manhattan should be served cold but not diluted. The ideal way to serve it is in a lowball glass, over a large ice cube or sphere, which melts slower than smaller ice cubes and thus dilutes the drink less. The cocktail should be stirred with ice in a mixing glass until well-chilled, then strained into the serving glass. This method ensures that the drink stays cold and maintains its intended flavor profile.
Why is Russ' Manhattan stirred and not shaken?
Russ' Manhattan is stirred and not shaken to preserve the silky texture and clarity of the cocktail. Shaking introduces air bubbles and causes the drink to become cloudy. Stirring, on the other hand, chills the ingredients sufficiently while mixing them gently, resulting in a smooth, clear cocktail that allows the flavors of the bourbon, vermouth, and bitters to shine through without being diluted by too much water.
How does the alcohol content of Russ' Manhattan compare to other classic cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 34%, Russ' Manhattan falls into the category of a strong cocktail, similar to other classic cocktails like the traditional Manhattan, Martini, and Old Fashioned, which usually have an alcohol content ranging from 30% to 40%. This makes it a potent choice, suitable for sipping slowly and enjoying the complex flavors. It's comparable in strength but unique in its combination of ingredients and preparation.
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