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Reverse Manhattan

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on October 13, 2025

Time

10 minutes

Yield

Makes 1 cocktail

Reverse Manhattan

Ingredients

2 ounces sweet vermouth ¾ ounce rye ⅛ teaspoon old-fashioned aromatic bitters Cocktail cherries for garnishing

Before You Begin

The emphasis on lower-ABV vermouth makes this a good option for those looking to pace themselves. You can garnish with an orange twist in addition to the cocktail cherries, if desired.

Instructions

  1. Add 2 ounces sweet vermouth, ¾ ounce rye, and ⅛ teaspoon old-fashioned aromatic bitters to mixing glass, then fill three-quarters full with ice. Using bar spoon, stir until mixture is fully combined and well chilled, about 1 minute. Strain cocktail into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with cocktail cherries and serve.
Reverse Manhattan
Photography by Steve Klise. Styling by Joy Howard.

Reverse Manhattan

Headshot of America's Test Kitchen
By America's Test Kitchen

Published on October 13, 2025

Save

Time

10 minutes

Yield

Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients

2 ounces sweet vermouth
¾ ounce rye
⅛ teaspoon old-fashioned aromatic bitters
Cocktail cherries for garnishing

Ingredients

2 ounces sweet vermouth
¾ ounce rye
⅛ teaspoon old-fashioned aromatic bitters
Cocktail cherries for garnishing

Ingredients

2 ounces sweet vermouth
¾ ounce rye
⅛ teaspoon old-fashioned aromatic bitters
Cocktail cherries for garnishing

Why This Recipe Works

Just as the name suggests, the reverse Manhattan takes our classic formula for a Manhattan and flips the base ratio, similar to the reverse martini. The result is a lighter, sweeter cocktail that is full of more fruit and herb notes.

Before You Begin

The emphasis on lower-ABV vermouth makes this a good option for those looking to pace themselves. You can garnish with an orange twist in addition to the cocktail cherries, if desired.

Instructions

  1. Add 2 ounces sweet vermouth, ¾ ounce rye, and ⅛ teaspoon old-fashioned aromatic bitters to mixing glass, then fill three-quarters full with ice. Using bar spoon, stir until mixture is fully combined and well chilled, about 1 minute. Strain cocktail into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with cocktail cherries and serve.

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