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The Brandy Manhattan uses brandy or Cognac instead of rye whiskey for a spin on the classic cocktail. Here’s how to make it (and the Wisconsin variation, too!).
Looking for a sophisticated spin on the Manhattan? If you’ve got a bottle of Cognac or brandy, the Brandy Manhattan is the drink for you. Brandy is sweeter than whiskey, and it adds fruity, floral and citrus notes to any drink.
So using brandy makes for a sweeter, more complex, and even more exciting Manhattan cocktail, in my opinion. Here’s how to make it, and a few more ideas on Manhattan variations.
Ingredients in a Brandy Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, vermouth, and cocktail bitters, invented in the 1870’s. It’s stood the test of time and remains one of the most popular cocktails of all time.
The story goes that the drink was invented at a club called The Manhattan Club in New York City. This Brandy Manhattan recipe simply swaps out rye whiskey in the classic for brandy. The ingredients you need are:
- Brandy or Cognac: The star of the drink; see my notes below on how to choose it.
- Sweet vermouth: The 2:1 ratio is the classic Manhattan recipe proportion.
- Angostura bitters: This adds spice and depth. (Here’s more about what bitters are.)
- Garnish: A Luxardo cherry, plus a lemon peel.
The Best Brandy for a Manhattan
You can use most types of brandy for Brandy Manhattan, but there are a few clear front runners. Here are the types of brandy to use, in order of preference:
- Cognac: The top choice! Cognac is French brandy that tastes spicy, fruity, and bitter, with notes of vanilla and oak.
- Armagnac: This full-flavored French brandy also works; it has notes of dark caramel, chocolate and burnt orange
- American brandy: Any type of brandy made in the US works as well.
- Calvados: This apple or pear brandy made in France also works; the more delicate flavor notes make a unique drink
- Brandy de Jerez, Spanish brandy can also work: the flavor is dry and smooth, with notes of caramel, almond and vanilla.
What not to use? Steer away from Pisco, a Peruvian brandy made of fermented grapes with a funky, earthy flavor. Save it for a Pisco Sour.
All About Sweet Vermouth
The other component in a Brandy Manhattan recipe? The sweet vermouth! What is vermouth? It’s is a fortified wine, meaning that liquor has been added to the wine (usually brandy). There are two main types of vermouth: sweet (usually red) and dry (usually white).
- Sweet vermouth is subtly sweet and spicy. It’s used in many classic cocktails: most famously the Manhattan and Negroni.
- Dry white vermouth is very dry, with a bitter finish. It’s used in martinis like the Classic Martini or Dirty Martini.
Storage tip: Make sure to store vermouth in the refrigerator! It stays good for up to 3 months.
How to Make a Brandy Manhattan
This Brandy Manhattan recipe is very easy to make: you don’t even need a cocktail shaker! It’s a classic “stirred” cocktail, meaning it’s stirred in a cocktail mixing glass. Here’s what to do:
- Combine. Add the brandy, sweet vermouth, and bitters to a cocktail mixing glass.
- Stir with ice. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Strain and garnish. Strain into the chilled glass. Add a Luxardo cherry, and twist a lemon peel over the top if you like.
Why a Luxardo Cherry?
The classic garnish for a Manhattan is not just any cocktail cherry: it’s a Luxardo cherry. This type of cherry is so dark red, it almost looks black. It has a much different flavor from the classic cocktail cherry: it’s complex, fruity, and nutty almost like amaretto.
Add this to the top of a Brandy Manhattan, and it makes the drink! You can find Luxardo cherries online or at your local liquor store.
The Brandy Manhattan in Wisconsin
You may already know this: Wisconsin is famous for its love of brandy, and the state’s classic bar orders are built on it: the Wisconsin Old Fashioned and the Brandy Manhattan.
The traditional Wisconsin super clubs usually would pour an American brandy and serve the Manhattan up or on the rocks alongside a relish tray!
More Manhattan Variations
Here are my favorite types of Manhattans:
- Martinez: like a gin version of a Manhattan! Gin, maraschino liqueur, and sweet vermouth.
- Black Manhattan: swaps out the Italian amaro for a cocktail that’s even more sophisticated—and tasty—than the original.
- Bourbon Manhattan: use bourbon instead of rye whiskey for a sweeter, sophisticated twist.
- Brooklyn Cocktail A unique spin using Maraschino liqueur and vermouth.
- Revolver: A tasty variation with Tia Maria coffee liqueur.
- Rob Roy The Manhattan…using Scotch!
Frequently Asked Questions
A “perfect” Manhattan uses both sweet and dry vermouth. So for a Perfect Brandy Manhattan, use 2 ounces brandy, ½ ounce sweet vermouth, ½ ounce dry vermouth, and bitters.
Only slightly. Brandy is fruitier and rounder than rye whiskey, so the drink tastes softer and a little bit sweeter.
Most bars call it a Brandy Manhattan. Some vintage cocktail books call it the Metropolitan.
The Brandy Manhattan
The Brandy Manhattan is a sophisticated spin on the classic cocktail recipe using brandy or Cognac! It’s even better than the original.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) brandy or Cognac
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) sweet red vermouth
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Garnish: Luxardo cherry and lemon peel
Instructions
- Combine the brandy, vermouth and bitters in a cocktail mixing glass (or any other type of glass). Fill the mixing glass with 1 handful ice and stir continuously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry and serve.
