Unlock These 24 Mind-Blowing Cocktails That Are Not Only Easy to Make but Will Transform Your Home Bar Game Forever!

Ever wonder why the Manhattan has managed to stay a cocktail heavyweight in a world swirling with flashy, complicated concoctions? Well, it’s not just because it tastes like a dreamy rendezvous of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters—it’s the ultimate home bar MVP. I mean, who wants to fuss with fresh juices that bail on you quicker than you can say “cheers” when you can stash vermouth in your fridge and keep the party rolling? Demi Natoli, the beverage wizard over at White Limozeen in Nashville, nails it: these ingredients aren’t just tasty—they’re the cornerstone of countless classic sippers, making your liquor cabinet somehow smarter and way more versatile. Plus, if you’re anything like me, knowing that you can tweak and twist the basic recipe with something as simple as infusing whiskey with your favorite fruit—and voilà—you’re serving up something unique and undeniably yours. Now, ready to shake things up with a timeless classic that’s about as easy to make as it is to love? LEARN MORE

“A Manhattan is one of the easiest cocktails to make at home, and for good reason,” explains Demi Natoli, beverage director at White Limozeen in Nashville. “The ingredients, which include whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, form the foundation for countless other classic drinks—making them a smart investment for any home bar. Plus, unlike fresh juices or homemade syrups that expire quickly, vermouth will last much longer if stored properly in the refrigerator. That means your money stretches further, and you’ll always have the makings of a timeless cocktail on hand.”

Bonus tip: My current favorite Manhattan variation is on serve at the aptly named Spy Bar, hidden beneath the Raffles London at the OWO. The Fig Noir here relies on a whiskey infused with the namesake dark fruit. It’s easy enough to let your favorite fruit sit in rye over several days before straining the doctored liquor into this particular cocktail recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 oz rye whiskey, WhistlePig 10 preferred
• 1 oz Carpano Antica Formula
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherries for garnish

Directions

Combine whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for at least 20 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Serve up with a trio of skewered maraschino cherries as garnish.