Tequila Manhattan
The Tequila Manhattan: An Agave Spirit Take on a Classic
The Tequila Manhattan emerged as bartenders began experimenting with substituting tequila into classic cocktail templates during the craft cocktail revival of the 2000s. While no single creator is credited with inventing the variation, the drink represents the broader trend of reimagining whiskey cocktails with agave spirits, according to Liquor.com.
The cocktail follows the classic Manhattan formula of spirit, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Using reposado or añejo tequila instead of whiskey creates a different flavor profile, with tequila's oak-aged vanilla and caramel notes complementing sweet vermouth's botanical complexity, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The Tequila Manhattan works best with aged tequilas that have spent time in oak barrels, as these spirits share flavor characteristics with whiskey while maintaining agave's distinctive character. Blanco tequila produces a lighter, less complex version that doesn't balance as well with vermouth.
The drink gained popularity in craft cocktail bars during the 2010s as premium aged tequilas became more widely available. The Tequila Manhattan appeals to Manhattan enthusiasts seeking new variations and demonstrates how classic cocktail structures adapt successfully to different base spirits while maintaining essential balance.
RECIPE:
2 oz reposado or añejo tequila
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange twist or cherry for garnish
Method:
Add tequila, sweet vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled, about 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Express orange twist over the drink and garnish, or garnish with cherry.