whisky ’s answer to theMartini , theManhattanis a magnificent mixing of three ingredients : rye whiskey , sweet vermouthandbitters . Though it ’s just as alluring and timelessly elegant as 007 ’s drunkenness of choice , the Manhattan has an edge that the Martini lacks . All credit goes to the spicy rye whiskey .
Over the past decade or so it ’s become stylish to govern a Manhattan with Bourbon dynasty or else of rye whisky , but we guess that tendency is bunk — especially with so many wonderfulrye whiskieson the market . Here are five of the right American ryes to mix into your Manhattan .
Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey, $17
Do n’t obnubilate this Kentucky - made rye ’s low price tag with tat . well one of the best values for its price , Old Overholt has been a solid choice in whiskey cocktail since its creation in the mid-19th century . It ’s strong spicy aroma and texture - spot peppery tone attractively complement the sweet vermouth in a Manhattan . While you could certainly drop your money on a more expensive rye , you wo n’t go wrong with this one .
Redemption Rye, $24
This finicky bottling is n’t as widely uncommitted as some of the others on this list , so if you do find to see it in a pot likker store , be sure to take it home with you — especially if you love a savoury Manhattan . With a mashbill of 95 pct rye grain and two years spent aging in Modern , charred oak cask , this whiskey can surely hold its own in a cocktail . Its unattackable baking spiciness flavor stand out particularly well in a Manhattan .
Sazerac Rye, $33
Though this whisky is most often associate with its namesake cocktail , theSazerac , its mixability go bad far beyond that traditional New Orleans recipe . Chock full of bake spice , vanilla extract and citrus tree flavors , this Secale cereale makes for a silky Manhattan that can warm up any whiskey lover ’s someone .
Knob Creek Rye Whiskey, $38
Even if you load your Manhattan full of sweet vermouth , this 50 pct ABV rye whiskey wo n’t permit you draw a blank it ’s there . It has a powerful hotness underneath caramel notes that will play nicely in any cocktail — and even on its own — without an overpowering sting .
Michter’s US*1 Straight Rye Whiskey, $43
This single - bbl rye whisky is one of the bold on the tilt . With plenty of vanilla extract , caramel and dry cherry government note , this bottling benefit from the softening touch of sweet vermouth in a Manhattan . It does n’t , however , get smothered , thanks to its slenderly high-pitched ABV at 42.4 percent .
Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock
