French Manhattan

We gave the classic Manhattan cocktail a French twist with a touch of Chambord Liqueur. Meet the French Manhattan. You like? Oui-oui!

There’s something truly special about a Manhattan. It’s classic, yet timeless. Elegant, yet simple. Sophisticated, yet relaxed. And it may also be one of the most inspirational cocktails when you look at all the variations over the years.

People just can’t help but flex their mixology muscles when it comes to the Manhattan. (We certainly did with this French Manhattan recipe.) Some use bourbon, rye, brandy or Scotch. Some use sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, amaro or, of course, Chambord. Ever hear of the “Perfect Manhattan?” That uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, like our Single Barrel Manhattan.

The type of bitters used adds the perfect essence to your Manhattan. Iconic Angostura® bitters give your cocktail the classic robust, woody spice notes, but orange, cherry or even chocolate give it a subtle twist. And then there’s presentation: coupe glass, martini glass or rocks glass. All of these variations are a testament to the Manhattan’s versatility — and people’s eternal love of the cocktail.

Bartender tip: A French Manhattan cocktail (or any Manhattan, really) should always be stirred, not shaken. Using a shaker turns the cocktail cloudy and ruins the beautiful clarity intended.