Tequila Manhattan Recipe: The Altos Añejo Version
Stir the ingredients over ice in a mixing glass, then strain into a well-chilled cocktail or coupette glass and finish with a twist of orange peel for a refined aromatic garnish.
A Manhattan cocktail is traditionally made with whiskey and sweet vermouth, finished off with a twist of orange peel. It takes its name from the iconic New York City borough and is the sort of drink best enjoyed slowly, ideal for those moments when you want to savour each sip without compromising on strength or character.
But what variations exist beyond the original? Swapping out the whiskey for tequila transforms the classic into something entirely new. Enter the Tequila Manhattan—a bold reinterpretation that bridges two nations through the language of mixology, blending the deep-rooted traditions of American cocktail culture with the agave spirit of Mexico.
Ingredients for a Tequila Manhattan
The Tequila Manhattan requires just three key ingredients:
- 60 ml Olmeca Altos Añejo
- 30 ml sweet (red) vermouth
- 2 dashes of smoked or grapefruit bitters
Maraschino cherries can also be added if you fancy a touch of sweetness or a traditional garnish, but they’re entirely optional. If you don’t have any to hand, don’t worry, you won’t be missing much, as their role is more decorative than essential.
How to Make a Tequila Manhattan
The Manhattan is a timeless cocktail, and this tequila-based version is no exception. Rich in flavour and surprisingly simple to prepare, it’s a sophisticated serve that fits any occasion.
Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir gently to chill and blend the flavours. Then strain into a chilled cocktail or coupette glass and finish with a twist of orange peel.
The bitters add an extra layer of depth and complexity, elevating the drink beyond a standard serve and making each sip more nuanced and satisfying. It’s a refined twist on a classic that tequila lovers are sure to appreciate.
When we set out to craft our own take on this timeless classic, we knew it had to strike the perfect balance between sophistication and a sense of fun—because that’s exactly what our customers bring to the table: refined taste, without ever taking life too seriously.
So we gave the Manhattan a signature Altos twist. Our version is made using 100% organic agave nectar, delivering a smoothness so indulgent, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re sipping a world-class cocktail in a luxury bar. Even if you’re enjoying it from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Other Variations of the Manhattan
While the traditional Manhattan uses whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, this cocktail offers endless opportunities for personalisation. By tweaking proportions or introducing new flavour notes, you can create something truly your own. Here are a few takes to inspire your next mix:
- The Standard Manhattan: Made with rye whiskey instead of bourbon and dry vermouth in place of sweet, this version packs more spice and edge.
- The Perfect Manhattan: A balanced blend of bourbon or rye with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, finished with a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters. No garnish needed. Simple and refined.
- The Manhattan Sazerac: A bold twist using Cognac instead of rye, paired with Peychaud’s bitters and a touch of absinthe for added complexity and herbal depth.
The Story Behind the Tequila Manhattan
The Manhattan is a cocktail that dates back to the 1870s and has since earned its place as one of the world’s most iconic and widely enjoyed drinks. The origins of this classic serve remain somewhat unclear.
One of the earliest references appeared in The Democrat newspaper in 1882, which described a fashionable concoction made with whiskey, vermouth and bitters—known at the time under names like “Turf Club,” “Jockey Club,” and, of course, “Manhattan.” Curiously, another source from 1945 claimed the drink had already featured in a bar guide as far back as 1860.
Yet cocktail historian Robert Vermeire, in his book The Art of the Bar, disputed one of the most popular tales—that Jenny Jerome (Lady Churchill and Winston Churchill’s mother) created the drink during a political celebration at The Manhattan Club in 1874. According to Vermeire, she wasn’t even married to Lord Randolph Churchill at the time of the supposed event.
Regardless of its precise origins, the Manhattan has become a pillar of cocktail culture. Olmeca Altos offers a full range of best cocktail recipes worth discovering. Each of these cocktails showcases the versatility and quality of our tequilas, whether you’re hosting a soirée or simply indulging at home.
Choose Premium Añejo for a Superior Serve
If you’re after the perfect tequila to elevate your Manhattan, look no further than Olmeca Altos Añejo. Distilled in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, and made with 100% blue agave, it offers a smooth, rounded flavour that pairs beautifully with the rich sweetness of vermouth.
Tequila has seen a resurgence in recent years—not just as a spirit for celebrations, but as a serious base for refined cocktails. And with Altos, you’re not just choosing tequila—you’re choosing craft, heritage, and exceptional taste in every pour.
