Brandy Manhattan
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 25.7% ABV ∙
The Brandy Manhattan is a stirred spirit-forward cocktail made with Cognac in place of whiskey, plus rosso and dry vermouth and a dash of aromatic bitters.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Cognac 60 mlRosso vermouth 20 mlDry vermouth 10 mlAngostura aromatic bitters 1 dash
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry
Tips
- Stir with ice for about 30 seconds; stirring chills and dilutes the drink without clouding it.
- Measure the two vermouths separately, 20 ml rosso to 10 ml dry; that split decides how sweet the drink sits against the cognac.
History
The Brandy Manhattan replaces the whiskey of the Manhattan with brandy or Cognac, a variation especially associated with Wisconsin, where brandy often stands in for whiskey in cocktails. A closely related 19th-century brandy-and-vermouth drink called the Metropolitan was documented as early as 1884.
FAQ
What is a Manhattan with brandy called?
A Brandy Manhattan. It is made like a classic Manhattan, stirred and served up, with Cognac in place of whiskey. The bitters stay, and the vermouth is split between rosso and dry.
How do I make a brandy Manhattan?
Stir 60 ml Cognac, 20 ml rosso vermouth, 10 ml dry vermouth and a dash of Angostura bitters with ice for about 30 seconds. Fine-strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
What is the difference between a brandy Manhattan and a Manhattan?
The spirit. A classic Manhattan uses whiskey; a Brandy Manhattan uses Cognac. Cognac makes the drink softer and fruitier, whiskey spicier and heavier. This recipe also adds a little dry vermouth to the rosso.
What is a perfect brandy Manhattan?
One made with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth alone. This recipe uses rosso and dry at 2:1, so it sits closer to a semi-perfect style than a fully perfect one.
What is in a Brandy Manhattan?
Cognac, rosso vermouth, dry vermouth and a dash of Angostura bitters. Measure the two vermouths separately, 2:1 rosso to dry; that split decides how sweet the drink is against the Cognac.
What glass is a Brandy Manhattan served in?
A coupe glass, served up with no ice, garnished with a maraschino cherry.
