As far as whiskey cocktails go, the Manhattan is one of the most elite. Like most classic cocktails, it’s simple, unfussy, and evokes a sense of cool when ordered, served, or sipped. For this reason, it’s remained a staple for professional and home bartenders. The original recipe is straightforward, containing just three ingredients—whiskey, vermouth, and bitters—and involves little skill to create. But don’t confuse simplicity with boring. With just a few ingredients, the Manhattan is the perfect cocktail for creative riffs.

There have been many variations, running the gamut from interesting liqueur additions to spirit substitutes. Each brings something different to the table, but they never fail to deliver the same distinctly cool vibe as the original. Ahead, we’ve gathered six Manhattan recipes that prove why this cocktail is one to covet.

Classic Manhattan

The Manhattan is a classic example of the 2:1 rule that governs many traditional cocktails. It blends 2 ounces of spirit with 1 ounce of sweetness and is grounded by several dashes of bitters. It’s a masterclass in balance and sips smoothly despite being spirit-forward.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the rye whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to a glass with ice and stir until chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with cherry.

Bourbon Manhattan

The original Manhattan recipe calls for rye whiskey, which adds a spicy, sharp taste to the drink. But for those who prefer a bit more subtility, there is the bourbon Manhattan. The recipe swaps out rye for bourbon and gives the cocktail a touch more sweetness. This is also a great option for old-fashioned loyalists.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the bourbon, vermouth, and bitters to a glass with ice and stir until chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with cherry.

Perfect Manhattan

If you enjoy perfect martinis, this is the Manhattan for you. Instead of using only one type of vermouth, it calls for both sweet and dry in equal proportions. The result is slightly more boozy than the original and will be slightly less sweet, depending on your choice of whiskey.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces whiskey
• 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
• 2 dashes of bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to a glass with ice and stir until chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with cherry.

The French Manhattan

Manhattans are undeniably cool, but this twist gives the cocktail an elegant feel. It exchanges whiskey for Cognac and adds a bit of orange liqueur. The combination, with the Maraschino cherry garnish, oozes Parisian cool, especially when served in a delicate coupe glass.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces Cognac
• 1 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1/4 ounce orange liqueur (Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or Curaçao)
• 1 dash of bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the Cognac, vermouth, orange liqueur, and bitters to a glass with ice and stir until chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with cherry.

The Black Manhattan

Of the cocktails on this list, the black Manhattan is the most intriguing. Its recipe removes the vermouth and replaces it with an amaro, giving the drink a unique herbal quality. It’s not for everyone—however, for those who love the Italian digestif, it’s a tasty option.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 ounce Averna amaro
• 1 dash of bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the whiskey, Averna, and bitters to a glass with ice and stir until chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with cherry.

The Brooklyn

The Brooklyn is another riff for amaro lovers but is a lot less herbal than the black Manhattan, thanks to the addition of maraschino liqueur. As the name suggests, it’s an ode to New York City’s Brooklyn borough, where the cocktail was first created.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces whiskey
• 1 ounce dry vermouth
• 1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur
• 1/4 ounce amaro ciociaro,or a few dashes of bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Add all the ingredients to a glass with ice and stir until chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with cherry.