I have no idea about the history of the French Manhattan cocktail. My recent obsession with old school, boozy cocktails led me to a number of different versions of this and I was intrigued.

The original recipe I found calls for 1 1/2 ounces of cognac, 1 1/2 ounces of sweet vermouth, 1/4 ounce Grand Marnier and 1 dash of orange or Angostura bitters. I adjusted that to my preference.

Instead of cognac, I used Armagnac, which is a better version of cognac IMHO. I added a bit more Armagnac and Grand Marnier and a bit less sweet vermouth. I also added 1 dash each or the orange and Angostura bitters.

Ingredients for a French Manhattan

• 2 ounces Armagnac
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
• 1 dash orange bitters
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• Luxardo cherries to garnish

How to make a French Manhattan

1. Add Armagnac, sweet vermouth, Grand Marnier and two bitters to a cocktail mixing glass.
2. Add ice and stir until well chilled. 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora or coupe cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with cherries and enjoy!

Like this recipe? Try some of my other cocktail recipes or other Manhattan versions below.

• Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
• Dry Manhattan (Brooklyn) Cocktail
• Black Manhattan Cocktail