A Brandy Manhattan is a craft cocktail with the smooth taste of brandy, classic sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Perfect for those who want the elegance of a Manhattan but want something on the sweeter side.

Side shot of a cocktail glass filled with a manhattan using brandy.

Looking for the perfect Brandy Manhattan recipe?

This elegant cocktail is a fun twist on a classic recipe. It's the perfect way to jazz up your traditional cocktail recipes to produce a completely unique variation you'll absolutely love.

Just like our smoked Manhattan cocktail, this cocktail recipe uses sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters. The twist? Brandy. This playful variation brings a unique depth of flavor and a hint of fruity sweetness, setting it apart from the traditional whiskey-based Manhattan.

What Is a Brandy Manhattan?

Dating all the way back to the 19th century, the classic Manhattan cocktail is a symbol of elegance and glamour, making its first appearance at the Manhattan club in New York City. Although this origin story is a little hazy, the original recipe of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters still remains the standard for this cocktail.

However, we're switching things up for this recipe. Instead of whiskey, we're using brandy for a sweeter finish, like our brandy Alexander cocktail, but less indulgent. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to try a Manhattan but are worried it might not be sweet enough for them.

Overhead image of a coupe glass filled with a brandy manhattan and garnished with citrus.

What you'll love about this recipe:

EASY & CLASSIC - The smooth and robust character of brandy complements the sweet vermouth and bitters, creating a sophisticated and warming concoction. If you appreciate a drink with depth, a Brandy Manhattan is a fantastic choice, showcasing the versatility and charm of brandy in this timeless cocktail.

What You Need to Make a Brandy Manhattan

Brandy: Provides a unique, smooth flavor with a hint of fruitiness and floral notes, offering a distinct twist to the classic cocktail.
Sweet Vermouth – Fortified red wine that adds a bit of sweetness and spice notes to the drink.
Angostura Bitters
Citrus peel for garnish
Ice cubes

How to Make a Brandy Manhattan

First, chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice cubes while you mix.
Now, in a mixing glass, combine 2 oz of brandy, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters.
Then, stir the ingredients well with ice for 15-20 seconds. Discard the ice from the coupe glass and strain the elixir into it.
Finally, express the oils from a citrus peel over the drink by giving it a twist. Skewer the peel on a cocktail pick and let it float on the surface. Enjoy!

Brandy being poured into cocktail shaker.

Bitters being added to a cocktail shaker.

Expert Recipe Tips

Use orange bitters instead of an orange peel for a hint of fruitiness followed by a bitter finish. It adds a bit more depth to this cocktail.
Want a more classic garnish? Use luxardo cherries like in a traditional Manhattan.

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Sip on a Brandy Manhattan for a delightful twist on the classic, and transport yourself to the swanky nightclubs of New York City. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader!

📖 Recipe

Side shot of a coupe glass filled with a brandy manhattan.

Brandy Manhattan Cocktail

This spirit-forward Brandy Manhattan combines aged brandy, sweet vermouth, aromatic bitters, and a citrus twist for a bold, smooth flavor that puts a luxurious twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Cocktail Recipes

American

Author: Kita

Serves: 1

Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare Your Glass:

Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice cubes while you mix.

Mix the Elixir:

In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz of brandy, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters.

Stir and Strain:

Stir the ingredients well with ice for 15-20 seconds.
Discard the ice from the coupe glass and strain the elixir into it.

Garnish with Citrus Peel:

Express the oils from a citrus peel over the drink by giving it a twist.
Skewer the peel on a cocktail pick and let it float on the surface.

Nutrition

Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.

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Recipe FAQs

Cognac: Renowned for its elegance, Cognac's grape-based richness elevates the Brandy Manhattan with sophistication and complexity.
Armagnac: With a robust and earthy profile, Armagnac provides a bold alternative, adding a distinct and hearty flair to the cocktail.
Brandy de Jerez: Hailing from Spain, Brandy de Jerez introduces warmth and nuttiness, offering a flavorful Spanish twist to the traditional Manhattan.
American Brandy: Domestic and diverse, American brandies bring varying fruit-forward or oaky notes, allowing for a personalized touch to the Brandy Manhattan.
Calvados: Originating from Normandy, Calvados, an apple brandy, adds fruity and floral nuances, providing a delightful hint of apple essence to the cocktail.

Nope! It's actually preferred to make a Manhattan cocktail without a cocktail shaker as the intense shaking and ice can dilute the cocktail.

Vermouth is a type of flavored and fortified wine that's often used in cocktails. It comes in both sweet and dry varieties and is infused with various herbs, spices, and botanicals, giving it a unique and complex flavor. People use vermouth to add depth and complexity to drinks like a dirty smoked martini and Manhattans.

You can find these at your local liquor store or the alcohol section of your grocery store.

Brandy Manhattan