Manhattan Vermouth: What the Label Has to Mean

Updated July 2026.

There is no official best sweet vermouth for a Manhattan. The current IBA card prints 50 ml rye, 20 ml sweet red vermouth, and 1 dash Angostura. US vermouth is aperitif wine under (g) at 15% or more. A Manhattan at 40% rye plus 16% vermouth is about 1.20 drinks before melt.

Related: Manhattan vs Old Fashioned, sweet vermouth taste, sherry vs vermouth.

Card vs pour

Language Drinks
Current IBA Manhattan ~1.20 at 40% / 16%
US vermouth Read the neck
Brand ABV Read the neck
Best / ranked

Pour math: whiskey drinks.

Sources

  • iba-world.com Manhattan: 50 ml rye, 20 ml sweet red vermouth, 1 dash Angostura.
  • 27 CFR 4.21(g). NIAAA December 2025.
  • 27 CFR 4.21(g) ≥15%

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