Limoncello Manhattan - A Citrus Twist on a Classic Cocktail

Limoncello Manhattan

Bourbon Limoncello Drinks

You never feel more like an old-school Hollywood actor than when you're drinking a Manhattan. I hemmed and hawed about changing the name of this drink, but I decided it's too classic. You need to know what you're getting. 

What you're getting is all the classic balance of the alcohol punch against a bit of sweetness. You're also gaining the lighter and hazier appearance of the limoncello, making for a distinctive twist on the standard Manhattan. 

Because the Manhattan is one of my favorite drinks, I'm picky about the ingredients. I like Bulleit bourbon, though I don't think that matters a great deal. What DOES matter is the sweet vermouth, it has to be Antica Formula--nothing else will do. 

The cherry also matters. It can't be one of those overly al dente, radioactive red maraschinos that you get on top of a sundae. As usual, I recommend going full Italian and only accepting a Luxardo cherry. Add some high-quality limoncello and you get a Manhattan from Little Italy (the name I had to mightily resist giving the drink...)

Limoncello Manhattan
Prep Time
10 mins
 
Servings: 1
Ingredients
  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 0.5 oz Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
  • 1 oz Limoncello
  • 1 dash Angostura Bitters
  • Lemon Peel (for garnish)
  • 1 Luxardo Cherry
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients (except lemon peel) in a shaker with ice and shake to combine

  2. Serve straight up with lemon peel, garnish with a Luxardo cherry

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Limoncello Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

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(2) comments

Carolina December 30, 2020

Cool recipe! I happen to have all the ingredients ( I make my own Limoncello) Will make it to greet the new year 2021 thank you!!

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sunnysusan November 16, 2021

Great recipe! I have most of the ingredients already on hand. Definitely going to try it. I appreciate you sharing it.

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