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    Home » Newest Recipes! » Cocktails » Cherry Manhattan

    Cherry Manhattan

    Published: Jun 7, 2020 · Modified: Mar 3, 2021 by Aubrey · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This cherry Manhattan is a traditional Manhattan recipe with a twist! Pick your rye, whiskey or bourbon and forget Luxardo cherries, try Trader Joe’s Amarena cherries! The perfect cocktail for Father’s Day!

    cherry-manhattan-in-glass-with-cherry-garnish-and-round-shape-ice

    This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through this link (at no extra cost to you).

    Why This Recipe Works

    • You can pick whatever rye, bourbon, whiskey or mix you want! YOU ARE THE BOSS!
    • You don’t have to use vermouth if you don’t have it.
    • The most amazing cherries you have ever had. FULL STOP!
    • Looking to sip your perfect cocktail alongside the perfect dinner? Be sure to check out this Lobster Ravioli Sauce which is delicious on any ravioli! Feeling like beef? You will love the Bavette Steak with chimichurri sauce or my melt in your mouth Wagyu Burger.

    What are the best cherries for a Manhattan cocktail?

    Ok, first we need to talk maraschino cherries from the grocery store. I have to be honest, not my favorite. Food coloring?

    Luxardo cherries are a high end cocktail cherry which I happen to LOVE but they are not cheap my friends. Luxardo maraschino cherries are made from candied sour marasca cherries and steeped in a cherry sugar syrup

    Meet, the Amarena Cherry! Truth be told, I can’t afford over $20.00 for bottle of fancy cherries. However, I am so lucky as to live near a Trader Joe’s! Around the holidays, you can find Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries which I affectionately like to refer to as the poor man’s Luxardo cherries (only arguably even better tasting).

    If you don’t live near a Trader Joes, a few other amazing cherry options are: Fabbri Amarena Cherries and Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries.

    If you are feeling even more adventurous, you can make your own cherries. Check out my super easy recipe for Bourbon Cherries!

    Best whiskey for a Manhattan

    Rye is the traditional whiskey in a Manhattan. However, you can use bourbon or Canadian whiskey as well. Typically, vermouth is use to balance those flavors. However, since we like throwing caution to the wind, I am just going to say it!

    I used Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey and I love it with this cherry Manhattan cocktail. Maker’s Mark is sweet and balanced with caramel, vanilla, woody oak and fruit essence.

    What is a traditional Manhattan cocktail?

    A traditional Manhattan is typically a mix of whiskey, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters, orange peel and maraschino cherries. However, unless you are a super amazing cocktail mixologist, I know not everyone keeps sweet vermouth on hand.

    Also, those red maraschino cherries that you see in supermarkets? Maybe for a Shirley temple (sorry kids)! But not for a sophisticated adult cocktail. This recipe for a cherry Manhattan is about to turn your cocktail world in the right direction.

    Ice molds and whiskey glass sets

    I am a sucker for a cute cocktail glass, and in this case, a cocktail ice mold! I love a round ice mold, a square ice mold or any creative ice mold like a skull!

    You can serve your cherry Manhattan in traditional whiskey glasses or these sophisticated snifters!

    Looking for other delicious cocktail ideas?

    • Red Sangria Recipe
    • White Sangria Recipe
    • Strawberry Vodka
    • White Chocolate Liqueur
    • Tres Leches Cocktail
    • Bacardi Rum Punch

    Hungry for more? Subscribe to my EMAIL NEWSLETTER and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for all of the latest delicious food!

    You can also comment below. I LOVE hearing from you! If you loved the recipe, a 5 STAR RATING is the ultimate compliment as food is my love language!

    cherry-manhattan-in-glass-with-cherry-garnish-and-round-shape-ice

    Cherry Manhattan

    This cherry Manhattan is a traditional Manhattan recipe with a twist! Pick your rye, whiskey or bourbon and forget Luxardo cherries, try Trader Joe’s Amarena cherries! The perfect cocktail for Father’s Day!
    5 from 47 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: cocktail, Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 2 minutes
    Servings: 1 serving
    Calories: 170kcal
    Author: Aubrey
    Cost: $4

    Ingredients

    • 2 oz rye, whiskey or bourbon (Maker’s Mark)
    • 6 drop/dash cherry bitters
    • 1-2 luxardo cherries or amarena cherries
    • ½ tsp+ Extra cherry juice (optional)

    Instructions

    • Mix rye, whiskey or bourbon (Maker’s Mark) with cherry bitters.
    • Add 1-2 cherries.
    • Pour over ice mold or drink straight (no ice).
    • If you like more sweet, you can add ½ tsp+ cherry juice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 170kcal
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AubreysHealthyKitchen or tag #aubreyshealthykitchen!
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    About Aubrey

    My name is Aubrey. I am a busy lawyer and momma. While I am passionate about both, I have a place in my heart for great food and want to share it with other food lovers!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. James

      May 07, 2021 at 9:22 pm

      5 stars
      Simple and delicious. Cherry Manhattan gives traditional Manhattan a run!

      Reply
    2. JJ

      January 27, 2021 at 8:15 am

      5 stars
      This cherry Manhattan is excellent.

      Reply
      • Aubrey

        January 27, 2021 at 8:27 am

        Thank you JJ!

        Reply

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    My name is Aubrey. I am a busy lawyer and momma. While I am passionate about both, I have a place in my heart for great food and want to share it with other food lovers! And for some more super top-secret fun facts....

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