Manhattans are usually served straight-up in a martini-style glass.

Measure out the rye whiskey and the sweet vermouth into a shaker with some ice. Add a small dash of bitters, if desired. Shake until very cold, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry. Brandied cherries are a bonus.

It is possible to drink these on the rocks, too, but the martini is the preferred style. If rye whiskey is not available, then bourbon can be used as a substitute. The finer the bourbon, the less vermouth is best (for lower shelf bourbon, you may want to move to 3 parts bourbon).