cuban manhattan recipe: the manhattan cocktail with rum

The Cuban Manhattan is a variation of the Perfect Manhattan. The only difference between the two drinks is the base spirit: The Cuban Manhattan uses Dark Rum as the base instead of Rye Whiskey.

The name Cuban Manhattan comes because of the Dark Rum that is used, as Rum is said to be native to the islands of the Caribbean. As mentioned, the recipe is a variation of the Perfect Manhattan which itself is a variation of the Traditional Manhattan.

There are some recipes that do call for White Rum instead of the Dark Rum, you could use either in this recipe.

Ingredients

Recipe/Preparation

  1. Add some ice cubes into a martini shaker
  2. Add 2 shots of Dark Rum into the shaker
  3. Add 1 shot of the Sweet Vermouth into the shaker
  4. Add 1 shot of the Dry Vermouth into the shaker
  5. Shake the contents of the shaker well
  6. Add a couple of dashes of bitters into a chilled martini glass
  7. Swirl the bitters around the glass to evenly coat the surface
  8. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass
  9. Garnish the drink with a cherry
cuban manhattan cocktail

Variations and Similar Drinks

Perfect Manhattan: Substitute Dark Rum in this recipe with Rye Whiskey to get the Perfect Manhattan.
Manhattan: The traditional Manhattan uses Rye Whiskey instead of the Dark Rum, and does not use the Dry Vermouth at all.
Perfect Rob Roy: Use Scotch Whisky instead of the Dark Rum in this recipe.

Tips and Notes

  • Some recipe calls for White Rum instead of Dark Rum. Either will work, but I prefer Dark Rum with the vermouth.
  • If you have access to a Cuban Rum, then use it as that would be best for a Cuban Manhattan.
  • You could another type of bitters such as Peychauds instead of Angostura, the drink will taste slightly different.