Tequila Manhattan
Tequila Manhattan is made with añejo tequila, sweet vermouth and bitters with a little cherry syrup, served cold.
Built to the standard modern spec; not yet tested in our kitchen. How we test.
The recipe.
Scaling adjusts quantities only. Prepare shaken drinks in individual portions.
Let’s make a good drink.
Chill a coupe and prepare the garnish before mixing.
Add all measured ingredients to a mixing glass.
Add ice and stir until thoroughly cold and gently diluted, tasting with a clean spoon if needed.
Strain into the prepared coupe.
Squeeze a fresh orange peel over the surface for its oils, then remove it. Add a drained cocktail cherry on a pick.
A thoughtful finish
- Use aged añejo tequila to match the selected spirit-forward build.
- Keep opened vermouth refrigerated so its flavor stays fresh between servings.
- Use solid ice and stir smoothly; stop once the mixture is cold and pleasantly diluted.
Common mistakes
- The tiny cherry syrup measure is not a second liqueur pour and should not be free-poured.
- Oxidized vermouth can taste dull or stale even when the spirit and measurements are correct.
- Stirring with mostly melted ice can make the drink watery before it becomes properly cold.
A few good questions.
What is in a Tequila Manhattan?
Tequila Manhattan is made with añejo tequila, sweet vermouth and bitters with a little cherry syrup.
Can I scale a Tequila Manhattan for more servings?
Multiply every measured ingredient by the same serving count. Prepare the measured still ingredients ahead if useful, but chill, shake or stir each serving as directed; add any carbonated finish at service.
Can I make this with an old bottle of vermouth?
Fresh, refrigerated vermouth gives a better result. If an opened bottle tastes oxidized or stale, replace it before judging the recipe’s balance.
What glass should I use for a Tequila Manhattan?
Use the assigned coupe for this directory serving. Where that differs from the source’s presentation, the version note labels the serving adaptation.
Variations
- Another vermouth producer — Editorial bottle variation: use the same vermouth styles and measures from another producer; botanical character and sweetness can change.
- Alternate citrus peel — Editorial presentation variation: try a different fresh citrus peel for the surface aroma while keeping the liquid formula unchanged; identify it as a garnish change.
Where it comes from
Tequila Manhattan is made with añejo tequila, sweet vermouth and bitters with a little cherry syrup, served cold.
Sources
- Difford’s Guide — Tequila Manhattan Cocktail Recipe (reference) link
Strength. About 1.6 US standard drinks at an estimated 27.2% ABV, estimated from the ingredients and technique, not measured. What that means.
A little character in every sip.
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