Manhattan is an all-time favorite. During the winter, when richer flavors and slow sipping are the norm, this cocktail is perfect to refresh and uplift you in those small sips. In order to enhance the Manhattan, use Dread River Master Series Bourbon to add more depth and warmth to the cocktail and make it perfect for the festive season.

We will provide you with the core Manhattan recipe and a few party-ready variations of the same in this guide. While preparing this cocktail, focus on highlighting the bourbon while keeping things simple.

The Manhattan Recipe: Classic, But With a Twist

A Manhattan is a concoction made out of a whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a variety of bitters. Rye whiskey usually takes the center stage in this cocktail, but bourbon makes the cocktail a lot more cohesive by providing a rounder and smoother profile.

Ingredients

2 oz Dread River Master Series Bourbon

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Cherry or orange peel for garnish

Method

Add ice to a mixing glass and then put all the ingredients in it. Stir the contents of the glass until chilled. Place a glass and strain the contents of the mixing glass. Top it off by garnishing it. 

The notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak present in the Master Series Bourbon soften the bitters and the herbal sweetness of vermouth. This helps our cocktail reach the balance that an immaculate Manhattan needs. Shop the Dread River Master Series Bourbon.

Why Dread River Master Series Bourbon Works for the Manhattan

Bourbon always makes for a good base spirit. A Manhattan needs exactly that to shine. The Master Series Bourbon can provide the structure that a good Manhattan needs to hold the cocktail together. The oak-forward character complements the vermouth and bitters without overpowering. 

The drinks and food tend to be richer during the winter. The spirit-forward depth of the bourbon balances out the richness. You can enjoy it neat or mixed; either way, you will have a balanced experience. 

Other Variations on the Manhattan: Whiskey for Every Mood

1. Cinnamon-Spiced Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Dread River Master Series Bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes cinnamon bitters

Garnish with a cinnamon stick or an orange peel.

Why It Works:

Cinnamon enhances the bourbon’s natural spice, creating a warming cocktail that fits perfectly into winter evenings and holiday meals.

2. Maple Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Dread River Master Series Bourbon
• ¾ oz sweet vermouth
• ¼ oz pure maple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Garnish with cherry or orange peels.

Why It Works:

Maple syrup adds richness and a subtle sweetness that mirrors the bourbon’s caramel notes without overpowering the drink.

3. Smoked Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Dread River Master Series Bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes smoked bitters

Why It Works

Smoky bitters add depth and complexity, pairing well with the oak and vanilla characteristics of the bourbon.

4. Ginger-Spiced Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Dread River Master Series Bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• ½ oz ginger syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Garnish with crystallized ginger or fresh ginger.

Why It Works;

Ginger brings heat and brightness, cutting through the richness of the bourbon and making this variation feel lively yet seasonal.

5. Cherry-Orange Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Dread River Master Series Bourbon
• ¾ oz sweet vermouth
• ¼ oz cherry liqueur
• 2 dashes orange bitters

Garnish with cherry and orange peel.

Why It Works:

The cherry and citrus exude warmth like no other. They also balance the depth of bourbon and lighten the drink. Here are 15 cocktails to make if you love Manhattan.

Dread River Spotlight: Your Go-To Bourbon 

The most versatile spirit for the cooler season is definitely the Master Series Bourbon by Dread River. If you need a neat drink or a fancy cocktail; bourbon is perfect for both. You can build your layered cocktails with depth, consistency, and confidence because bourbon adapts and balances out even the wildest of flavours. Check out our collection of spirits to incorporate into some creative and fantastic cocktails.