Some cocktails are about impact. Others are about balance. The Reverse Manhattan belongs firmly in the second camp. By shifting the emphasis from whiskey to vermouth, it keeps the structure and confidence of the original while offering a softer, more aromatic profile.
It’s the kind of drink you make when you want something thoughtful and composed rather than bold or bracing.
What Is a Reverse Manhattan?
A Reverse Manhattan flips the classic ratio, using more vermouth than whiskey. This change lowers the overall alcohol content while highlighting the herbal, spiced complexity of the vermouth itself. The result is elegant, nuanced, and surprisingly expressive, especially for drinkers who enjoy spirit-forward cocktails but don’t always want their full weight.
Here is the Recipe
Reverse Manhattan
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
- 2 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Garnish: lemon twist or brandied cherry
Instructions
- Add the sweet vermouth, rye whiskey, and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well chilled and lightly diluted.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with lemon twist or brandied cherry
Nutrition
Why This Drink Works
The Reverse Manhattan is proof that subtle adjustments can completely change a drink’s character. It’s calmer, more aromatic, and easier to linger over than the classic version, making it ideal for anyone interested in vermouth-forward cocktails or lower-proof variations that don’t sacrifice depth.
Why Lush Life Loves This
This is a drink that rewards attention rather than excess. The Reverse Manhattan lets vermouth take the lead, reminding you just how complex and expressive it can be when it isn’t treated as a supporting player. It’s also a cocktail you can return to more often — measured, civilized, and quietly satisfying — without feeling like you’re committing to something heavy or indulgent.
If this version of the Manhattan feels unexpectedly right, it opens the door to a few small but revealing variations worth trying next. The Perfect Manhattan sits neatly in the middle, balancing sweet and dry vermouth for a sharper, more layered profile. The Black Manhattan takes a darker turn by replacing vermouth with amaro, leaning into bitterness and depth. And returning to the classic Manhattan after tasting these makes its structure feel newly precise rather than familiar.
FAQ
Is a Reverse Manhattan lower in alcohol than a classic Manhattan?
Yes. Replacing some of the whiskey with vermouth significantly reduces the drink’s overall strength while preserving its complexity.
Can I experiment with different vermouths?
Absolutely. A richer Italian-style sweet vermouth will emphasize spice and bitterness, while a lighter style will make the drink feel fresher and more delicate.
Does it have to be rye whiskey?
Rye is traditional and adds spice, but a softer bourbon can work if you prefer a rounder, slightly sweeter profile.