Blood Orange Manhattan

A seasonal twist on the classic Manhattan featuring winter citrus. This cocktail balances the warmth of rye whiskey with the bright, complex sweetness of fresh blood oranges.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz rye whiskey

  • 0.75 oz sweet vermouth

  • 0.5 oz fresh blood orange juice

  • 2 dashes orange bitters

  • Blood orange wheel and brandied cherry for garnish

Instructions

  1. Chill your Nick & Nora or coupe glass with ice or in freezer.

  2. Juice blood orange and fine strain to remove pulp.

  3. In a mixing glass, add:

    • Rye whiskey

    • Sweet vermouth

    • Fresh blood orange juice

    • Orange bitters

  4. Fill mixing glass with ice above ingredient level.

  5. Stir gently for 30-40 seconds until properly chilled and diluted.

  6. Strain into chilled glass.

  7. Garnish with blood orange wheel and brandied cherry.

Recipe Notes

  • Choose blood oranges that feel heavy for their size

  • For best results, use fresh juice immediately

  • Substitute cara cara oranges when blood oranges unavailable

  • Can be served on a large ice cube in rocks glass

Recommended Spirits

  • Rye: Rittenhouse, Sazerac, or Bulleit

  • Sweet Vermouth: Carpano Antica Formula

  • Orange Bitters: Regan's or Fee Brothers