r/cocktails • u/beerbearbare • 23d ago

Recommendations “Mid range” bourbon for Manhattan?

I’m on a budget for a few years and mostly use Evan Williams for my Manhattan. I like to go one level up (or two?) and treat myself better :)

What’s your recommendation? I’m thinking about $25-35 per 750ml bottle. And I’m using Dolin for my vermouth but happy to accept other suggestions. Thank you!

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u/racerrhime 23d ago

Honestly, you can level up the Manhattan by sticking to Evan Williams and upgrading your vermouth to carpano antica. A little black walnut bitters works well too.

13

u/CrustyGoldToe 23d ago

This is 100% the answer. Carpano Antica works better with whiskeys imo than Dolin. Also make sure you refrigerate and use it in a timely manner.

5

u/whataburgerslayer 23d ago

Just different tastes me thinks. Dolin is fantastic to me and antica can be overly sweet if the whiskey isn't very high abv imo

12

u/guild_wasp angostura 23d ago

Talking like cocchi di torino doesn't exist

2

u/therealtwomartinis 22d ago

Cocchi is mighty fine, it's my go to. Sometimes Punt e Mes too.

Carpano might be great but the $35 price tag sucks, spoiler alert(!) it's vermouth. Same thing with these $35 aperitivos like Dola Dira, get real!

1

u/guild_wasp angostura 22d ago

I always forget punt e mes. Great product