Classic Manhattan Cocktail
This classic Manhattan cocktail is just what you need for a romantic Valentine’s Day! Made with just a few simple ingredients and ready in less than 5 minutes.
If you know me by now you know I love a good cocktail. I used to be strictly a gin girl until my husband starting drinking bourbon. At first, I had no interested in his new found love until I learned to appreciate the wonders of a Manhattan. Now I know this drink is made with rye {which is the classic way} and not bourbon but it’s close enough so the story still applies.
I like my Manhattans made with either bourbon or rye but since I’m trying to keep things vintage around here we are going classic today. Plus I like to think Don Draper {my imaginary boyfriend} would appreciate my knowledge of how to keep things classic and delicious.
As you can see by the title of this post things are a little bit different around here today. A few weeks ago I got together with Gina to record a video of us drinking acting professional and making scrumptious recipes for Valentine’s Day. Instead what you got is us being awkward, drinking WAY too much before shooting and talking a lot about Jon Hamm. It also is the birth of Gina’s and my new project – Kick Sass Kitchen.
Yes, this means that you get to see our mugs on YouTube once a month bringing you everything from recipes to cocktails to fun kitchen tips. But mostly just us acting wacky. Which is really what you’d get if you hung out with us in real life.
So? Are you ready to see the video? Just press play and prepare to get hungry…and thirsty!
{If you really want to see the good stuff watch our outtakes video! It’s mostly just us eating and talking even more about Jon Hamm. So much Jon Hamm talk for one day.}
Hope you enjoyed our video and please remember to thumbs up and subscribe if you want more of our craziness. Plus make sure to head on over and check out Gina’s blue cheese steak crostini!
{Looking for more Valentine’s Day recipe ideas? Try these cheesecake stuffed strawberries, veal osso buco or this tasty thyme blood orange bourbon cocktail.}

Classic Manhattan Cocktail
This classic Manhattan cocktail is just what you need for a romantic Valentine's Day! Made with just a few simple ingredients and ready in less than 5 minutes.
Yield: 3 minutes
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
Ingredients:
- 2-1/2 ounces rye
- 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2-3 drops bitters
- 3 Luxardo cherries
Directions:
Fill a cocktail shaker half way with ice and add in rye, sweet vermouth and bitters.
Top the shaker and gently shake.
Pour into cocktail glass and serve with cherries.
You guys are too cute! Keep the videos coming 🙂
I went straight for the outtakes, hahaha. Love this ladies!
Hahaha! Love it! I watched the video on Gina’s blog and loved it but I have to say the outtakes are priceless.
I was strictly a gin girl for years but now I love a manhattan and I love it with rye
I used to be a gin girl too, but now I’m pretty much an anything with alcohol girl! I’d love it if you would link up to Tipsy Tuesday at http://www.greyisthenewblack.com/oh-my-mai-tai/ – Also loved the video!!
AhHaHa! Cheers, Bitch! Loved the video!
I love a good Manhattan and good on you for sourcing some great cherries! I have a good friend who was all things vodka and turned up her nose at bourbon. Know what first changed her tune? Trying the foods I make with bourbon in them…she loved them and has since enjoyed many a great bourbon cocktail with me too. Her bourbon and Coke days are finally behind her. 🙂
Cute video too; I sort of want to go there but not sure I’m up to prime time; means getting out of jammies to work right? 🙂
nutmegnanny replied: — February 15th, 2015 @ 11:08 pm
I shouldn’t admit to this but I might be wearing super leggings and slippers out of frame…haha. You should totally do it!
“And because I’m super fancy, I skewered my cherries.” haha I love the video. So not only are the photos wonderful on your blog but now I’m falling in love with Kick Sass Kitchen!
love love love kick sass kitchen! and cannot wait to see what’s next
I do love me some girly drinks, though this one may be a bit on the knock-me-on-the-floor-type (I guess I am a lightweight, lol.) Cannot wait to try this!
The cocktail and crostini look fabulous and the video is so cute! Keep them coming girls!
I don’t know that I’ve ever tried a Manhattan…clearly that needs to change! I love the video…you and Gina work well off of each other.
“they don’t have weird stuff in them…” YEAH! I generally don’t care for maraschino cherries (and my Manhattans go cherry-free…) but those I might try! of course they are $20 a jar, HA
fun video, girls! CHEERS.
Ok, true story I’ve never had bourbon. I always thought of it like they show it in the movies, a strong guys liquor thats not meant for ladies. Well, after seeing this it is SOOO meant for ladies. This just looks amazing girl!
You two are naturals on camera! What a great new venture! And this cocktail – I had a friend in grad school who drank Manhattans and she always said “Tastes like MORE!” when she was ready for another… this version definitely “Tastes like MORE!” 🙂
Agree with the “they dont have all the stuff in them”! That’s one of the main reasons I don’t buy cherries. I’ll have to see where I can find those.. and make this yummy drink!
You guys are adorable! More, please! 🙂
I loved the video! How cute are you?!!!
I love this video so much!!!! I want to have drinks with you and Don!!
love the video, cocktail, crostini and everything!! Keep ’em coming! and now I need to go check the back of my balsamic vinegar. .
You guys are so cute! I want to drink with you!
Loved the video. Great job! I used to hate Mahattans and they grew on me over the years!
I love the video, y’all work so well together and I love “you can measure it out…or don’t” – so funny. I don’t think I’ve ever had a Manhattan, but that clearly needs to change.
Hooray for Kick Sass Kitchen – that is so fun! This video was great, and I could definitely use a Manhattan right now.
Love the video…. the official version AND the outtakes
I need to get my drink on. God knows I need a couple of drinks… Loving the crostini and the video. You guys rock, I could never get on front of the camera!!
Love, love, loved the video. And the outtakes were hilarious! Now, about that Manhattan… I need one. Right now.
Totally adorable video! I super need this cocktail this week (and it’s only Wednesday)!
Love the video! Your posts always make me laugh -even though I had to google don draper 🙂 I’m definitely a cocktail girl- mostly cosmos, but I’ll have to try a legit manhattan- you definitely made me curious!
THIS is my grandmoms drink! She enjoyed 2 at her 100th bday party and last year when she passed away suddenly at 102…after the service my dad led a toast to her and 45 of us raised our glasses…all Manhattan’s to honor her! Not a bad way to go out with everyone toasting to you with your favorite cocktail! PS She was a hell of a cook! Your video was awesome! Great job ladies!!
So beautiful!!! Can you pass one my way?? Cheers 🙂
Manhattans are definitely one of my favorite cocktails. LOVE this!
I have never had one of these. So fun because they are such a classic.
Never had a Manhattan….they look beautiful.
OMG! Kick Sass Kitchen!! I LOVE IT! LOL! It’s the best blog name ever! And this is hilarious! AND I wanna party with you guys! haha
Love the video! So well done! And that Manhattan….I’ll take three please. 🙂
Keep up on these Kick Sass Videos!! OMG I’m dying laughing!! And hand me one of these cock-tails, STAT. Don Draper included 😉