How to Make a DIY Manhattan with Still Spirits Rye Whiskey

April 17, 2025

The Smooth Sipping Secret To a DIY Manhattan

There’s something special about the way a well-made Manhattan meets your tastebuds. That smooth balance of strong, sweet, and bitter tends to spark a little nod of satisfaction—and maybe even a smug smile if you've made it yourself. If you’ve ever thought about blending your own top-shelf flavour at home, this one’s for you. We're whipping up a DIY Manhattan using the rich and satisfying Still Spirits Rye Whiskey flavouring. It's like giving your cocktail a silky suit of confidence.

The At-Home Distiller's Shortcut to Great Tasting Rye

If patience with traditional ageing isn’t your strong suit—or if you, like me, enjoy things done smarter, not harder—then this bottle comes as a welcome treat. With signature notes of malt, barley, and spicy rye, this concentrate gives you all the warmth and complexity of a classic Canadian-style rye without the wait.

One 50ml bottle is enough to flavour 2.25 litres of 40% ABV neutral spirit. What does that mean? It means more delicious drinks for your buck, and fewer reasons to fork over fistfuls of cash for fancy brands. Just mix with quality neutral spirits or even vodka, and you're good to go. Easy, no gimmicks. Just flavour, depth, and instant bragging rights.

Why Make a Manhattan?

The Manhattan has history. It’s one of those heritage cocktails that has stood the test of time—not because it’s fancy, but because it works. Warm, rounded spirits meet sharp bitters and a touch of mellow sweetness. Make one well, and you’re suddenly the favourite guest at any evening barbecue or backyard fireside catch-up.

It's got a serious spirit-forward character, which is exactly why Still Spirits Rye holds its own so well here.

The Classic Manhattan Recipe – Home Style

Alright, let’s get into the good stuff—and I don’t mean drama... unless you’re adding a maraschino cherry with questionable origins. Here’s how to make a foolproof Manhattan using our flavourful friend at the heart of it all.

What You’ll Need:

60ml of your freshly made rye whisky using Still Spirits Rye Whiskey flavouring
30ml sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice
Cherry (optional—unless you’re trying to impress)

Equipment:

Mixing glass or large cocktail shaker
Bar spoon (or just a clean tablespoon)
Strainer
Rocks or coupe glass

Method:

Simple doesn't mean sloppy—this winning combo is all about technique.

Add ice to your mixing glass
Pour in the rye whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters
Stir well. Around 25-30 seconds will do the job
Strain into a chilled coupe glass or over fresh ice in a rocks glass
Garnish with a cherry, or an orange peel if you’re feeling posh

That’s it. No fluff, no flashy drama. You’ve got a proper adult drink with a custom kick that says, “Yeah, I made this myself.” Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

One Bottle, Endless Possibilities

Now if you're thinking, “What do I do with the rest of my 2.25 litres of rye whisky-style magic?” you’re asking the right question. Besides Manhattans, try your hand at an Old Fashioned, a Boulevardier, or even a cheeky whisky sour. The Still Spirits Rye Whisky isn’t just a one-and-done—it’s a secret weapon for your cocktail arsenal.

No ageing barrels needed, and no yeast strain decoding. Just high-quality flavouring that brings those silky, woody notes you'd expect from expensive bottles. Perfect for home enthusiasts who like the DIY lifestyle without the usual mess.

A Drink Worth Sharing

Part of what makes homebrewing so satisfying is sharing the results, right? Whether you're handing someone a glass at your next dinner party or just taking a sip on the couch after a long week, having something you’ve mixed (literally and figuratively) brings pride with every pour.

And let’s be real—there’s no better feeling than when someone says, “Wow, you made this?” followed by a sip and that dreamy, appreciative pause that every brewer chases.

So go ahead, fire up that spirit base, pull out your mixing kit, and put that Still Spirits Rye to delicious use. You've got everything you need right at your fingertips.

Cheers to staying curious, crafty, and slightly buzzed. 🍸

Happy mixing,
Candeece