Brandy Manhattan – Sweet Vermouth & Brandy Cocktail Twist
The Brandy Manhattan swaps whiskey for brandy, creating a smoother, fruitier cocktail that’s both classic and approachable.
Intro Blurb
Smooth brandy meets the herbal depth of sweet vermouth in the Brandy Manhattan — a ruby-hued twist on a cocktail classic. With a touch of cherry sweetness and a balanced finish, it’s a refined sip that works for both casual evenings and special occasions.
Background
The Manhattan has roots in 19th-century New York, originally made with rye whiskey. Brandy versions gained popularity in the Midwest and Northern Europe, where the spirit was more readily available. This variation trades the rye’s sharpness for brandy’s soft fruit character, creating a Manhattan with a gentler edge and broad appeal.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Brandy – the smooth, fruity backbone.
- Sweet Vermouth – adds herbal richness and balance.
- Bitters – a few dashes for depth and spice.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice – subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Maraschino Cherry – garnish for flavor and tradition.
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
- Strainer
- Whiskey sour glass or coupe
Velvet & Vermouth – Why You’ll Love It
The Brandy Manhattan offers a lush, velvety sip with layers of fruit, herbs, and spice. It’s less sharp than its whiskey cousin, making it approachable for newcomers while still sophisticated enough for seasoned cocktail fans.
Substitutions & Variations
- Brandy → Try cognac for a refined French edge, or aged rum for a warmer, tropical note.
- Sweet Vermouth → Swap for dry vermouth to cut sweetness, or experiment with an amaro for a bitter twist.
- Bitters → Orange bitters add brightness; Peychaud’s brings a floral kick.
- Cherry Juice → Grenadine or cherry liqueur can stand in for sweetness and color.
- Garnish → Upgrade to a Luxardo cherry or a fresh seasonal cherry for extra depth.
Helpful Tips
- Glassware choice: A coupe emphasizes its elegance, while a whiskey sour glass gives it a relaxed, old-fashioned feel.
- Stir, don’t shake: Stirring preserves clarity and smoothness.
- Batching: Multiply by 4–6 and stir in a pitcher, then strain into glasses when hosting.
- Pairings: Works beautifully with charcuterie, roasted nuts, or dark chocolate.
Brandy Manhattan Recipe
Type of Glass
Whiskey Sour Glass
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. Maraschino Cherry Juice
- 2 dashes
- 1/2 oz.
- 2 oz.
Directions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add brandy, sweet vermouth, maraschino cherry juice, and bitters.
- Stir well until chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain into a chilled whiskey sour glass (or coupe, if preferred).
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
A refined sip that proves brandy belongs in the Manhattan family.
