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Manhattan vs Old Fashioned

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Manhattan vs Old Fashioned: what’s the difference between these iconic whiskey cocktails? Here are recipes for both!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Manhattan

  • 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) rye whiskey (or bourbon)
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) sweet red vermouth
  • 3 dashes Angostura or orange bitters
  • Garnish: Luxardo cherry or other cocktail cherry

For the Old Fashioned

  • 1 sugar cube (1 teaspoon sugar)
  • 4 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1/2 teaspoon water
  • 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) bourbon whiskey
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • Cocktail cherry for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. For the Manhattan: Combine the whiskey, 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.
  2. For the Old Fashioned: Place the sugar cube in a lowball glass and add the bitters. Add the water and mash and swirl it with a muddler or wooden spoon until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Add the bourbon whiskey and swirl to combine. Add a large ice cube. Use a knife to remove a 1″ wide strip of the orange peel. Squeeze the orange peel into the drink to release the oils. Gently run the peel around the edge of the glass, then place it in the glass. If desired, garnish with a cocktail cherry for additional sweetness.