Manhattan Drink vs Old Fashioned: What’s the Difference?

Last updated on August 14th, 2024

The ‘Manhattan’ and ‘Old Fashioned’ are towering monuments in the landscape of classic whiskey cocktails, each with their refreshing and often morish depth of flavours.

Departing from your room temperature dram (when the moment strikes) a cold whiskey based cocktail is the perfect way to savour the moment and quite literally… chill out.

But which do you choose?

And what makes them different?

If you’re curious about the differences between the classic Manhattan vs Old Fashioned, this is the article for you.

What Is a Manhattan Cocktail?

First made in the 1880’s in New York City, the Manhattan cocktail is traditionally made with 50ml rye whiskey, 25ml of sweet vermouth and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. This mixture is then stirred over ice, strained into a chilled coupe glass, and garnished with a maraschino cherry.

The use of sweet vermouth is what differentiates a Manhattan to an Old Fashioned, the latter of which uses simple sugar syrup (gomme) or a sugar cube instead.

What Does a Manhattan Cocktail Taste Like?

The Manhattan cocktail offers a rich, complex flavour profile that is both bold and balanced. The primary note is the robust and spicy character of rye whiskey, which provides a warm, full-bodied base. This is complemented by the sweet vermouth, adding a layer of sweetness that enhances the whiskey’s natural flavours without overpowering them.

The addition of Angostura bitters introduces a subtle spice and herbal undertone, bringing depth and complexity to the drink. The maraschino cherry garnish adds a final touch of sweetness and a hint of fruitiness, rounding out the flavours for a harmonious finish.

On the palate, a Manhattan cocktail is smooth with a slightly bitter aftertaste that lingers pleasantly, encouraging slow sipping. The interplay between the sweetness of the vermouth and the bitterness of the bitters creates a sophisticated taste experience that is both invigorating and warming.

Can You Use Bourbon in a Manhattan?

Yes, you can use bourbon in a Manhattan cocktail instead of rye whiskey, although purists argue that this deviates from the traditional recipe. However, using bourbon will result in a slightly sweeter flavour profile which you may prefer.

Fun fact: The name “Manhattan” is said to have originated from the popular legend of Jenny Jerome, who supposedly requested a special cocktail during her stay at the Manhattan Club in New York City.

What Is an Old Fashioned Cocktail?

A traditional Old Fashioned cocktail consists of 50ml bourbon (or rye whiskey), a sugar cube, a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a twist of orange peel to garnish. The cocktail is traditionally served over ice in a rocks glass, allowing the flavors of the whiskey to shine alongside hints of citrus and warming spice from the bitters.

What Does an Old Fashioned Cocktail Taste Like?

The Old Fashioned cocktail has prominent notes of bourbon or rye whiskey that bring warmth and depth to the palate, with characteristic caramel sweetness and oaky undertones. These flavors are complemented by the subtle sweetness of the sugar cube, which adds a touch of richness and balance to the drink. Additionally, the dashes of Angostura bitters introduce hints of warming spice and herbal bitterness.

Can You Use Bourbon in an Old Fashioned?

The choice between rye whiskey and bourbon for an Old Fashioned cocktail often boils down to personal preference. Rye whiskey enthusiasts appreciate its spicier profile and drier finish, which adds a peppery kick to the drink. Bourbon aficionados, on the other hand, favor its sweeter and fuller-bodied nature, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, resulting in a smoother and richer flavor profile.

Fun fact: Until the 1870’s, an Old Fashioned was simply named a Whiskey Cocktail until bartenders began experimenting with different whiskeys, ingredients, and garnishes.

What Is the Best Whiskey for a Manhattan?

1. Bulleit Rye Whiskey: Best Rye Whiskey

For a classic Manhattan cocktail, many prefer using Bulleit Rye Whiskey. Its robust flavor profile, characterized by bold spice and subtle sweetness, complements the vermouth and bitters perfectly. Bulleit Rye has a deep amber color with aromas of vanilla, caramel, and oak. On the palate, it offers notes of rye spice, toffee, and dried fruit, leading to a smooth, lingering finish with hints of pepper and cinnamon. Its well-balanced flavors and versatility make it an ideal choice for crafting a Manhattan with depth and character.

2. Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey: Alternative Rye Whiskey

Another popular choice for a Manhattan cocktail is Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey. Its bold and spicy character adds depth and complexity to the cocktail. Its deep amber color hints at its rich flavor profile. On the nose, aromas of dried fruits, rye spice, and oak mingle enticingly. The palate delivers a combination of spicy rye, caramel sweetness, and hints of vanilla, balanced by oak undertones. The finish is the long and warming of spice and sweetness. It’s an ideal choice for enhancing the complexity of a classic Manhattan cocktail.

3. Maker’s Mark: Best Bourbon

One of the preferred bourbon whiskies for a Manhattan is Maker’s Mark. Its smooth and balanced flavor profile, characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, complements the cocktail’s sweetness from the vermouth and bitters. Maker’s Mark’s rich amber color enhances the visual appeal of the drink. Its aroma features hints of dried fruits and spice, while the palate delivers a creamy texture with a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of oak and caramel. Overall, Maker’s Mark’s well-rounded character makes it an ideal choice for elevating the classic Manhattan cocktail.

What Is the Best Whiskey for an Old Fashioned?

1. Knob Creek Straight Rye: Best Rye Whiskey

One of the top choices for an Old Fashioned is Knob Creek Straight Rye. Renowned for its bold and spicy flavor profile, Knob Creek Rye adds depth and character to the cocktail. Its deep amber color and enticing aroma of oak, caramel, and baking spices set the stage for a rich and flavorful experience. On the palate, it offers a perfect balance of rye spice, vanilla, and toasted oak, leading to a smooth and lingering finish. Knob Creek Rye’s robust and complex flavors make it an ideal selection for crafting a classic and satisfying Old Fashioned cocktail.

2. Woodford Reserve Rye: Best Alternative Rye Whiskey

One of the top choices for an Old Fashioned is Woodford Reserve Rye. Known for its smooth and balanced flavor profile, Woodford Reserve Rye adds elegance to the cocktail. Its golden amber hue and inviting aroma of dried fruit, cinnamon, and honey create anticipation for a delightful drinking experience. On the palate, it offers a harmonious blend of spicy rye, sweet caramel, and subtle oak, leading to a long and satisfying finish. With its refined flavors and impeccable balance, Woodford Reserve Rye is a superb option for crafting a classic and sophisticated Old Fashioned cocktail.

3. Buffalo Trace: Best Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey is an excellent choice for an Old Fashioned cocktail. Its deep amber color sets the stage for a visually appealing drink, while the aroma tantalizes with notes of caramel, toffee, and baking spices. Buffalo Trace’s bold flavor, characterized by hints of vanilla, oak, and a subtle peppery spice, adds depth and complexity to the cocktail. The smooth and velvety texture enhances the sipping experience, while the lingering finish leaves a warm and satisfying sensation on the palate. Buffalo Trace’s well-balanced combination of sweetness and spice elevates the classic Old Fashioned.

Proper Ways of Drinking Manhattan and Old Fashioned

What Is the Proper Glass for a Manhattan?

The proper glass for a Manhattan is a stemmed cocktail glass, also known as a martini glass. This type of glass is used because its wide, shallow bowl allows for easy swirling and enhances the aroma of the cocktail, while the long stem prevents the warmth of the hand from affecting the temperature of the drink. Additionally, the elegant presentation of the stemmed glass adds to the overall drinking experience, making it the preferred choice for serving a sophisticated cocktail like the Manhattan.

What Is the Best Glass for an Old Fashioned?

The best glass for an Old Fashioned is a short, heavy-bottomed rocks glass, also known as a tumbler or lowball glass. This stout format of vessel is used for its sturdy design allowing for muddling ingredients without risk of breakage while the wide opening provides ample space for stirring and adding ice. 

The short stature of a rocks glass helps maintain the cocktail’s temperature by minimizing surface area, ensuring that the drink stays cold without becoming diluted too quickly. Additionally, the classic and timeless appearance of the rocks glass adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the Old Fashioned cocktail

What Garnish Goes With a Manhattan?

The garnish typically used for a Manhattan is a maraschino cherry. This garnish adds both flavor and visual appeal to the cocktail, as the cherry’s sweetness complements the drink’s rich and complex profile while providing a contrasting pop of color against the amber liquid. Additionally, the cherry’s aroma enhances the overall sensory experience of the cocktail, enticing the drinker with its fruity fragrance. Aesthetically, the vibrant red hue of the cherry against the deep amber of the Manhattan creates an eye-catching presentation that adds to the cocktail’s allure. 

What Garnish Goes With an Old Fashioned?

The garnish typically used for an Old Fashioned is an orange twist or a slice of orange peel. This garnish adds a burst of citrus flavor and aroma to the cocktail, complementing the rich and complex notes of the whiskey while providing a refreshing contrast. The oils released from the orange peel as it is twisted over the drink contribute to its aromatic profile, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Aesthetically, the bright orange hue of the twist or peel adds vibrancy to the cocktail, creating an inviting and appealing presentation.

Rye Whiskey vs Bourbon For Manhattans

Rye whiskey is considered the traditional base spirit for Manhattans, known for its spicy and fruit-forward flavour profile. The inherent characteristics of rye, with its sharper edge and peppery notes, provide a robust foundation that stands up well to the sweetness of vermouth.

Bourbon is a great alternative base spirit for Manhattans thanks to its sweeter, full-bodied nature. Known for its notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, bourbon offers a rounder, more mellow sip that can appeal to those looking for a less aggressive cocktail. The marriage of bourbon with vermouth leads to smoother and often more approachable drinking experience, with a rich texture that can introduce an indulgent twist to the classic recipe.

When debating between rye and bourbon for a Manhattan, consider the desired end result. Rye brings forth a cocktail with spice and bite, perfect for those who prefer a drink with a punchy character. Bourbon, on the other hand, mellows the sharpness of the vermouth, creating a softer, yet still complex, drinking experience. 

Both spirits have their merits, and the best choice ultimately aligns with personal preference and the occasion.

What Is the Best Vermouth for Manhattan and Old Fashioned

The best vermouth for a Manhattan should possess a balanced sweetness and a botanical complexity that can stand up to the robust nature of whiskey, whether you prefer rye or bourbon.

#1 Best Vermouth for Rye-based Cocktails: Cocchi Vermouth di Torino

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino is the gold standard for rye-based cocktails like the Manhattan. Its rich amber colour hints at the depth of flavour contained within. On the nose, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino offers a bouquet of citrus and vanilla notes, which beckon the senses towards a palate layered with complexities. The palate reveals a symphony of spices, complemented by just the right amount of bitterness, making it the perfect counterpart to rye’s spicy profile in any Manhattan recipe.

The finish of Cocchi Vermouth di Torino is long and satisfying, with a subtle sweetness that lingers, inviting another sip. 

With its historical roots and esteemed reputation, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino is the best option for a rye-based Manhattan because it complements the whiskey without overshadowing it. Its harmonious blend of herbs and spices mirrors the cocktail’s need for balance between the potent kick of rye and the smooth caress of sweet vermouth.

#2 Best Luxury Vermouth: Barolo Chinato

Barolo Chinato is a luxury vermouth that boasts an alluring deep ruby colour, reminiscent of the finest Barolo wines from which it originates. The nose is complex, offering an aromatic tapestry of dark berries and herbal notes, setting the stage for a truly opulent Manhattan recipe. The palate is equally impressive, with a rich and velvety texture that unfolds layers of dark chocolate, spices, and a hint of bitterness.

The lingering finish of Barolo Chinato is where it truly shines, offering a sophisticated balance between its sweet and bitter elements. This luxurious vermouth is the ideal companion for a Manhattan, adding a layer of elegance and depth to the cocktail. When paired with rye whiskey, the Barolo Chinato enhances the spice while rounding out the edges, resulting in a sumptuous twist on the Manhattan that remains faithful to the classic’s strong character.

Barolo Chinato is considered a luxury not only because of its superior quality but also due to its meticulous production process. It is infused with a blend of herbs, including quinine bark (Chinato), which gives it a distinctive flavour that’s both medicinal and enchanting. This vermouth transforms a Manhattan recipe into a lavish experience, inviting slow sipping and appreciation of its refined dry vermouth character.

#3 Best All Round Vermouth: Punt E Mes

Punt E Mes stands out as an exceptional all-around vermouth, with a colour that is rich, dark amber, suggesting its depth and complexity. On the nose, it presents an inviting blend of orange and herbs, teasing the complexity of its flavour profile. The palate is a bold interplay of sweetness and bitterness, characteristic of a classic Italian vermouth. Punt E Mes strikes a delightful balance that complements both the spiciness of rye and the sweetness of bourbon in a Manhattan recipe.

The finish of Punt E Mes is persistent and layered, making it a versatile player in a variety of cocktails, especially a Manhattan. It’s this intricate balance of flavours that allows Punt E Mes to enhance the whiskey without overpowering it, making it a staple for any well-curated bar. 

Variations of the Manhattan

Variations of the classic Manhattan cocktail opens a world of flavours. The addition of orange bitters brings a zesty dimension to both sweet and dry versions of the cocktail. The Rob Roy swaps in Scotch whiskey for a smoky twist, while a brandy Manhattan offers a smooth, grape-based alternative. Manhattan calls for creativity, and with variations like the sweet red vermouth-laden classic or a more balanced Perfect Manhattan, there’s a style for every palate.

1. Dry Manhattan

The Dry Manhattan is a crisp rendition of the original, substituting sweet vermouth with a dry variety. This alteration results in a cocktail that is less sweet, more spirit-forward, and an excellent match for those who appreciate the robust essence of whiskey. It retains the Manhattan’s classic charm while offering a sharper, more austere profile.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1-ounce dry vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Lemon twist or cherry for garnish (optional)

Method:

• Fill a mixing glass with ice.
• Pour in the rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
• Stir well until chilled, about 30 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry if desired.
• Enjoy!

2. Perfect Manhattan

A Perfect Manhattan achieves a harmonious balance between sweet and dry vermouth, blended in equal parts. This equilibrium softens the edges of the whiskey, creating a cocktail that is nuanced yet accessible. It’s a popular variation that appeals to those who seek a middle ground in their Manhattan experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Lemon twist or cherry for garnish (optional)

Method:

• Fill a mixing glass with ice.
• Pour in the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
• Stir well until chilled, about 30 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry if desired.
• Enjoy!

3. Black Manhattan

The Black Manhattan switches things up by trading in sweet vermouth for the bittersweet Averna, an Italian amaro. This variation introduces a richer, more herbal complexity that dances with the boldness of the rye whiskey. It’s garnished with a cocktail cherry, offering a hint of sweetness that complements the drink’s depth, making it a brooding cousin to the classic Manhattan.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 ounce Averna amaro
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange twist for garnish

Method:

• Fill a mixing glass with ice.
• Add rye whiskey, Averna amaro, and Angostura bitters.
• Stir well until chilled, about 30 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with an orange twist.
• Enjoy!

4. Rob Roy

Take a trip to Scotland with Rob Roy, a Manhattan’s close relative that opts for Scotch whisky instead of rye or bourbon. This simple substitution brings forth the smokiness and peat of Scotch, creating a drink with a distinctive character. Vermouth and a dash of Angostura bitters remain, but the Rob Roy often boasts a lemon twist as a garnish, offering a zesty contrast to the whisky’s warmth.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 3/4 ounce ruby port
• 1/2 ounce Aperol
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• Orange twist for garnish

Method:

• Fill a mixing glass with ice.
• Add rye whiskey, ruby port, Aperol, and simple syrup.
• Stir well until chilled, about 30 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with an orange twist.
• Enjoy!

Variations of the Old Fashioned

Old-fashioned variations swap classic ingredients for creative twists. Orange bitters can add a citrus zing, while a rum Old Fashioned takes you on a tropical detour. The brandy Old Fashioned is a sweeter, fruitier take on the classic, and each variation is typically garnished with a cocktail cherry to round out the flavour profile.

1. Bourbon Toscano

The Bourbon Toscano is a nod to Italy, incorporating flavours like amaretto and fig for a sweet, nutty profile that enhances the bourbon’s natural characteristics. This variant stays true to the notion that the Old Fashioned is the original cocktail, with the amaretto named for the drink itself. A twist of orange or lemon peel serves as the garnish, adding a bright note to this rich concoction.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 3/4 ounce Amaro Toscano
• 1/4 ounce honey syrup
• Orange twist for garnish

Method:

• Fill a mixing glass with ice.
• Add bourbon, Amaro Toscano, and honey syrup.
• Stir well until chilled, about 30 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with an orange twist.
• Enjoy!

2. Zapatero

Zapatero, named for the Spanish word for ‘shoemaker’, is as robust and hardworking as its namesake. This Old Fashioned rendition brings in dark, spiced rum to replace the traditional bourbon, adding a layer of exotic complexity. The addition of chocolate bitters complements the rum’s sweetness, making for a rich, dessert-like experience with a garnish of orange peel to cut through the decadence.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces blanco tequila
• 3/4 ounce Aperol
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• Grapefruit twist for garnish

Method:

• Fill a shaker with ice.
• Add tequila, Aperol, lime juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake well for about 15 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
• Enjoy!

3. Brown Butter Old Fashioned

The Brown Butter Old Fashioned is a culinary twist on the iconic drink, introducing the rich, nutty flavour of brown butter into the mix. This unique ingredient adds depth and a velvety texture to the cocktail, making it a gourmet delight. The traditional sugar cube is infused with the butter’s essence, and the cocktail is completed with a classic garnish of a cocktail cherry.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1/2 teaspoon brown butter syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange twist for garnish

Method:

• In a mixing glass, combine bourbon or rye whiskey, brown butter syrup, and Angostura bitters.
• Stir well with ice until chilled, about 30 seconds.
• Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
• Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink and garnish.
• Enjoy!

4. Normandie Old Fashioned

The Normandie Old Fashioned is a tribute to the elegance of French orchards, blending apple brandy with bourbon to create a harmonious drink. It’s yet another variation that respects the Old Fashioned as the original cocktail, with calvados named for the Normandy region where it’s produced. The result is a smooth, apple-kissed delight, often garnished with a slice of apple or a cocktail cherry.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Calvados (apple brandy)
• 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• Apple slice for garnish

Method:

• Fill a shaker with ice
• Add Calvados, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake well for about 15 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with an apple slice.

Origins of the Manhattan Cocktail

The Manhattan cocktail is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, with its roots tracing back to New York City. One popular story suggests that the cocktail was first concocted at the Manhattan Club in the 1870s for a party hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill, mother of Winston Churchill, in honor of presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden. The cocktail’s recipe, featuring whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, quickly gained popularity and became a staple in the city’s cocktail scene. 

Origins of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in the United States. Its creation is often credited to a bartender at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky.

FAQs

1. Is a Manhattan stronger than an Old Fashioned?

Manhattans typically have a higher alcohol content than Old Fashioned cocktails due to the use of vermouth in addition to the whiskey. This larger proportion of liquor raises the overall alcohol level to be higher than that of the simple sugar used in an Old Fashioned.

2. What is the difference between a dirty Manhattan and a Manhattan?

A traditional Manhattan comprises whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters, whereas a dirty Manhattan uses dry vermouth and an olive garnish. For extra umami salinity, olive brine may also be added to enhance the savoury dryness.

3. What’s the difference between whiskey and Old Fashioned?

Whiskey refers to the distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash, typically aged in wooden barrels. On the other hand, the Old Fashioned is a cocktail crafted from whiskey or bourbon, sugar, bitters, and water or a splash of soda. 

4. Is a Manhattan whiskey or bourbon?

A Manhattan can be prepared with either whiskey or bourbon, depending on personal preference. However, the traditional choice for a Manhattan is rye whiskey. 

5. Which is sweeter, Manhattan or Old Fashioned?

Generally, the Old Fashioned tends to be sweeter compared to the Manhattan due to sugar or simple syrup in the Old Fashioned recipe, balancing the bitterness of the bitters and enhancing the sweetness of the whiskey or bourbon.

6. Is a Negroni like an Old Fashioned?

No, it isn’t. A Negroni is crafted with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, resulting in a bittersweet and herbaceous flavor profile. In contrast, an Old Fashioned features whiskey or bourbon, sugar, bitters, and water or a splash of soda.

Summary

• The Manhattan and Old Fashioned are classic whiskey cocktails, each with its own distinct flavor profile and history.
• The Manhattan originated in New York City in the 1880s, typically made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
• The Old Fashioned traces its roots to the early 19th century in the United States, featuring bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and an orange twist.
• The Manhattan offers a rich, complex taste with spicy rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a hint of fruitiness from the cherry garnish.
• The Old Fashioned boasts prominent whiskey flavors with caramel sweetness, oaky undertones, and hints of citrus and spice from the bitters and orange twist.
• Variations of both cocktails allow for experimentation with different ingredients and flavors to suit individual preferences.