Martini vs Manhattan: what's the difference?
A martini is gin or vodka with dry vermouth, clear, crisp and dry, while a Manhattan is whiskey with sweet vermouth and bitters, amber, rounder and a little sweet.
Martini
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Ice cold, bone dry and clean, with a twist or an olive.
What does Martini taste like?Manhattan
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Warm, silky and spiced, whiskey softened by sweet vermouth.
What does Manhattan taste like?The real difference
They're built the same way: a spirit stirred with vermouth and served up. The martini uses gin or vodka and dry vermouth, so it's clear, sharp and savory. The Manhattan uses whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, so it's darker, warmer and rounder.
Side by side
MartiniManhattan
SpiritGin or vodkaRye or bourbon
VermouthDrySweet
GarnishLemon twist or oliveCherry
TastesCrisp, dry, botanicalRound, spiced, a little sweet
Which to order
- Order a martini if you want something cold, clean and bracing.
- Order a Manhattan if you want a warm, rich sipper with whiskey at the core.
Quick questions
- Which is stronger, a martini or a Manhattan?
- They're about equal. Both are mostly spirit stirred with a little vermouth, so either is close to a straight pour of booze.
- Is a Manhattan a whiskey martini?
- Sort of. It's built the same way, which is why it shows up on martini lists, but sweet vermouth and bitters make it a different drink.