Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or just beginning to explore these timeless drinks, this guide will help you understand the key differences between the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, so you can decide which suits your taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Old Fashioned Ingredients:

• Whiskey: Typically made with bourbon or rye whiskey, though some prefer it with scotch or other whiskeys.
• Sugar cube: Provides a touch of sweetness, traditionally muddled with bitters.
• Angostura bitters: Adds depth and complexity with aromatic spice notes.
• Orange peel: Expressed over the drink to release essential oils, then used as a garnish.
• Ice: Usually served over a large ice cube in a short glass (Old Fashioned glass).

Manhattan Ingredients:

• Whiskey: Generally made with rye whiskey, though bourbon or even Canadian whisky can be used.
• Sweet vermouth: Adds a rich, slightly sweet herbal flavor.
• Angostura bitters: Complements the whiskey and vermouth, adding aromatic complexity.
• Cherry garnish: Typically garnished with a maraschino or brandied cherry for a sweet finish.

Both cocktails are whiskey-forward, but their key difference lies in the use of sweet vermouth in the Manhattan, which adds an herbal sweetness and makes the drink slightly more complex. The Old Fashioned is simpler, relying on sugar and bitters to balance the whiskey’s flavors.

Preparation

Old Fashioned: The Old Fashioned is known for its straightforward, minimalist approach to mixing. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Muddle sugar and bitters: In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a splash of water.
2. Add whiskey and ice: Pour in your whiskey of choice (bourbon or rye) and stir with a large ice cube until well mixed and chilled.
3. Express orange peel: Gently twist an orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it into the drink as a garnish.

The Old Fashioned is often stirred slowly to ensure the whiskey, sugar, and bitters blend smoothly, creating a rich, well-rounded drink.

Manhattan: The Manhattan is stirred, not shaken, to preserve the integrity of the whiskey and vermouth. Here’s how to make a classic Manhattan:

1. Stir whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stir until the mixture is well chilled.
2. Strain into a chilled glass: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
3. Garnish with a cherry: Drop a maraschino or brandied cherry into the glass as a garnish.

Unlike the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan is always served up (without ice) in a stemmed glass, which enhances its sophisticated presentation.

Flavors and Variations

Old Fashioned Flavors: The Old Fashioned is all about highlighting the whiskey. The sugar and bitters help to soften and round out the spirit’s sharper edges, while the orange peel adds a subtle citrus note. Depending on the type of whiskey used (bourbon for sweetness, rye for spice), the Old Fashioned can range from warm and rich to bold and spicy.

Popular Variations:

• Whiskey Sour Old Fashioned: Adds a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Smoked Old Fashioned: The glass or drink is infused with smoke, enhancing the earthy and woody notes of the whiskey.
• Rum Old Fashioned: Substitutes the whiskey with aged rum for a Caribbean-inspired take.

Manhattan Flavors: The Manhattan is more complex than the Old Fashioned due to the inclusion of sweet vermouth, which brings herbal, slightly sweet flavors to the drink. The vermouth balances out the sharpness of the whiskey and adds an elegant, smooth finish. Rye whiskey is the traditional choice for a Manhattan, giving it a spicier, drier edge, while bourbon adds a sweeter profile.

Popular Variations:

• Perfect Manhattan: Uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth for a balanced, less sweet version of the cocktail.
• Dry Manhattan: Replaces sweet vermouth with dry vermouth, creating a less sweet, more crisp version.
• Rob Roy: A Manhattan made with scotch whisky instead of rye or bourbon, adding smoky and peaty flavors.

While both cocktails feature whiskey prominently, the Old Fashioned’s simplicity allows the whiskey’s flavors to dominate, whereas the Manhattan’s use of vermouth adds a layer of sophistication and complexity.

Occasions and Food Pairings

Old Fashioned: The Old Fashioned is an all-time favorite at whiskey bars, classic cocktail lounges, and home gatherings. Its rich, bold flavor pairs well with hearty foods like steak, grilled meats, and charcuterie boards. It’s also a great companion to spicy or smoked dishes, where the bitters and orange zest complement the flavors. The Old Fashioned is often enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink or during more intimate settings.

Manhattan: The Manhattan is seen as a more sophisticated cocktail, making it ideal for formal events, cocktail parties, or a night out in a classy bar. Its complex flavors pair well with rich, savory dishes like roast duck, lamb, and aged cheeses. The Manhattan is also a great cocktail to serve alongside appetizers or during after-dinner conversations. Thanks to its slightly sweeter flavor, it can even pair well with desserts like dark chocolate or cheesecake.

Nutritional Differences

The Old Fashioned is typically lower in calories than the Manhattan due to its simpler ingredients. A standard Old Fashioned contains about 150 to 170 calories depending on the amount of sugar used and the size of the pour.

The Manhattan has slightly more calories because of the addition of sweet vermouth, bringing its total to around 160 to 180 calories per serving. The vermouth not only adds calories but also brings a bit more sweetness to the cocktail.

For a lighter option, both cocktails can be made with lower-calorie sweeteners or less vermouth (in the case of the Manhattan).

History

Old Fashioned: The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails, dating back to the early 1800s. Originally referred to simply as a “whiskey cocktail,” it was made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water. The name Old Fashioned was coined in the late 19th century as bartenders began to experiment with more elaborate cocktails, and patrons who preferred the simpler, original version of the whiskey cocktail began asking for it to be made in the “old-fashioned” way. Today, it’s a symbol of classic cocktail culture, revered for its simplicity and elegance.

Manhattan: The Manhattan has a somewhat murky origin story, but the most popular account credits its creation to the Manhattan Club in New York City in the 1870s. Legend has it that the drink was invented for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill’s mother. While the exact details remain uncertain, what’s clear is that the Manhattan quickly became a favorite among New Yorkers and beyond. It remains a staple on cocktail menus worldwide, celebrated for its balance of sweetness, bitterness, and whiskey boldness.

FAQ

Which cocktail is stronger, Old Fashioned or Manhattan?
Both cocktails are whiskey-forward and have similar alcohol content, but the Old Fashioned might feel stronger due to its simplicity and lack of vermouth. The Manhattan, while still strong, is slightly softened by the sweet vermouth.

Which is easier to make, Old Fashioned or Manhattan?
Both are relatively easy to make, but the Old Fashioned might be a bit simpler due to its fewer ingredients. The Manhattan requires vermouth and stirring in a separate mixing glass, adding a bit more complexity to the preparation.

Can these cocktails be made with different types of whiskey?
Yes! The Old Fashioned and Manhattan are versatile enough to be made with different types of whiskey, including rye, bourbon, Canadian whisky, or even scotch. The flavor profile will change depending on the whiskey used.

What’s the best glassware for each cocktail?
The Old Fashioned is traditionally served in a short, wide Old Fashioned glass (or rocks glass), while the Manhattan is typically served in a coupe glass or martini glass.

Which is more popular, Old Fashioned or Manhattan?
Both cocktails are widely popular, but the Old Fashioned has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, especially in the craft cocktail movement. The Manhattan remains a classic favorite, particularly among whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate more complex flavors.