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

I can’t fully explain why but there’s something intimidating to me about whiskey — and by extension, whiskey-based cocktails. I never really tried to get into them until I took a couple Bourbon Trail tours in Lexington. Inspired by those passionate bourbon-makers, I did my best to try out some whiskey cocktails at home.

Some of the most popular of these are the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned. While both share whiskey as their foundation and boast a harmony of bitters, their nuances distinguish them. Learning and appreciating the differences between these two cocktails will help you learn to appreciate the differences in different types of whiskeys.

Keep reading to learn the differences between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned as I go into the unique ingredients, preparation, and presentation of each.

The Manhattan: A Taste of the Big Apple

The Manhattan cocktail is often associated with the bustling streets of New York City, and its history dates back to the late 19th century. The cocktail’s exact origin is still debated, but one popular theory suggests it was first crafted at the Manhattan Club in the 1870s for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill. Regardless of where you beleive it was first made, the Manhattan has firmly established itself as a classic cocktail.

The Manhattan is a straightforward drink with a harmonious blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s typically stirred with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, then garnished with a maraschino cherry or a twist of orange peel.

• The choice of whiskey, whether rye or bourbon, can influence the flavor profile, with rye offering a spicier kick and bourbon contributing a sweeter, smoother taste.

How to Make It

This TikTok from shakedatglass provides a great visual on how to make a great Manhattan, but here’s a simplified written version.

Pro Tip: Any easy way to remember it is to think of Manhattan, NYC’s area code: 212. That means: 2 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of vermouth, and 2 dashes of bitters.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Rye or Bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry or twist of orange peel for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
• Bar spoon
• Jigger (or a measuring tool)
• Cocktail strainer
• Cocktail glass (Martini glass or coupe glass)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Fill your mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice cubes. This will chill your drink as you mix it.
2. Using a jigger or measuring tool, measure out 2 ounces of whiskey and pour it into the mixing glass.
3. Measure out 1 ounce of sweet vermouth and pour it into the mixing glass as well.
4. Add 2 dashes of aromatic bitters to the mixing glass.
5. Using a bar spoon, gently stir the mixture in the mixing glass.
6. Place a strainer over the mixing glass and carefully strain the Manhattan mixture into your chilled cocktail glass. This will remove any ice that might dilute your drink.
7. Garnish your Manhattan with a maraschino cherry or orange peel.

The Old Fashioned: A True Classic

The Old Fashioned, on the other hand, predates the Manhattan by several decades and is often considered one of the original cocktails. Its roots go back to the early 19th century, making it one of the oldest known cocktails. Originally known simply as a “cocktail,” it earned the name “Old Fashioned” to distinguish it from the newer and more complex drinks that emerged later.

The defining characteristic of the Old Fashioned is its dedication to simplicity. It allows the whiskey to shine through, with the sugar and bitters enhancing, rather than overpowering, the spirit. The result is a drink that’s rich in whiskey flavor, slightly sweet, and delightfully aromatic.

How to Make It

Again, for a visual, check out this TikTok by ClivesClassicLounge. For a simple written step-by-step instruction, keep reading.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 dash of orange bitters
• Orange twist and/or cherry for garnish

Equipment

• Rocks glass (also known as an Old Fashioned glass)
• Bar spoon
• Jigger (or a measuring tool)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Using a jigger or measuring tool, pour 2 ounces of whiskey into the rocks glass.
2. Measure out ½ ounce of simple syrup and pour it into the glass with the whiskey.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 dash of orange bitters directly into the glass with the whiskey and simple syrup.
4. Stir the ingredients in the glass gently but thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and the flavors are evenly distributed. Use a bar spoon for stirring.
5. If you want your Old Fashioned on the rocks (my personal preference) fill the glass with ice cubes. You can use regular ice cubes or large, clear ice cubes for a slower dilution of the drink.
6. Garnish your Old Fashioned with an orange twist.

Comparing the Two: Manhattan vs. Old Fashioned

Now that we’ve explored the individual characteristics of these classic cocktails, let’s compare them side by side.

Origin and History

The Manhattan is associated with New York City and is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, possibly at the Manhattan Club. On the other hand, the Old Fashioned predates the Manhattan by several decades, with its roots tracing back to the early 19th century.

Ingredients

The Manhattan typically consists of whiskey (rye or bourbon), sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters. Meanwhile, the Old Fashioned primarily comprises whiskey (bourbon or rye), sugar (usually in the form of simple syrup), and bitters (usually Angostura bitters along with optional orange bitters).

Sweetening Agent

In the Manhattan, sweet vermouth serves as the sweetening agent, imparting a smooth and slightly sweet flavor to the cocktail. Conversely, the Old Fashioned utilizes sugar (simple syrup or a sugar cube) as the sweetening agent, allowing for a customizable level of sweetness.

Preparation

The Manhattan is typically stirred with ice in a mixing glass and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, such as a Martini glass or coupe glass. In contrast, the Old Fashioned is often built directly in a rocks glass, where the whiskey, sugar, and bitters are muddled or stirred together with ice.

Flavor Profile

The Manhattan tends to have a more complex flavor profile due to the addition of sweet vermouth, offering a balance of sweetness and herbal notes. In contrast, the Old Fashioned emphasizes the whiskey’s flavor, with the sugar and bitters enhancing its richness and depth, resulting in a simpler yet robust taste.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions between the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned can help you appreciate the unique qualities of each cocktail and explore your preferences in whiskey-based drinks. So, the next time you find yourself at the bar, consider your mood and preferences—do you crave the sophistication of Manhattan or the timeless charm of the Old Fashioned?