Cocktail and bottles of liquor on a bar counter.

Bartender Jen Warren of Station House Café in Point Reyes Station gives us the Insider scoop on making a killer Manhattan.

Icon of cocktail glass.
Like most classic cocktails, the Manhattan is made with only a few ingredients—the quality and nuances of those ingredients play a big part in what kind of cocktail you end up with.

Rye Bourbon Whisky

The rye-forward Redwood Empire whisky, distilled in a former apple processing plant in neighboring Sonoma County, adds subtle spicy notes, and an indulgent vanilla-caramel finish.

 Sweet Vermouth

Using a well-curated sweet vermouth makes for a nicely balanced bittersweet Manhattan. Vya’s blend of orange muscat, Tinta Roriz and dry white wine, infused in 17 herbs and spices, is the perfect pairing with spicy rye whisky.

“The inspiration for Vya Sweet was the enjoyment I remembered drinking sweet vermouth on the rocks in the sidewalk cafes in Marseilles back in the 1970s.”

Andy Quady — Quady Winery

Pairing cocktails with food

Cocktails are more often the bookends of a meal, but the Station House Cafe Manhattan pairs well with rich, bold and sweet flavors, like steak, smoked duck, pulled pork; cheeses such as blue and chèvre; roasted figs.

Station House Cafe Manhattan

Two parts Redwood Empire whisky, poured over ice into a beaker
One part Vya sweet vermouth
4-5 dashes Angostura Bitters
Stir

Strained and served up in a chilled Martini glass
Add a Luxeadro cherry

Try making this at home. Or better yet, head over to Station House Cafe and enjoy one of their classic or seasonal cocktails.

Dining Guides

Tomales oysters on a grill.

Where To Eat In Marshall

All of the restaurants in Marshall are strung along the bay, so you’ll always have a stunning view. Oysters are the favorite, whether you buy…

Beautifully plated roast salmon and vegetables.

Where To Eat In Inverness CA

Eating in Inverness is a treat! You’ll find everything from oysters to Czech food to what food writer Leanne Battelle calls the best cupcakes in…

Views of ocean from Highway One.

Where to Eat in Bolinas and Stinson Beach

Our southern villages offer lots of beachside eateries, great outdoor dining (some are dog-friendly), or grab food to go and enjoy a cocktail while watching…

Table set with steak salad, drinks and oysters

Where To Eat In Point Reyes Station

Point Reyes Station offers the most dining options in the Point Reyes area. You’ll find gourmet sit down restaurants, casual family-friendly places to eat and…

Point Reyes Lodging

Interior of Farmer's Parlor with bed and wood burning stove.

Olema Cottages

Tons of privacy and space, these gorgeous cottages are close to everything you love about Pt Reyes. A top choice for a comfortable, extended retreat…

Tomales bay and the Point Reyes Shipwreck.

Cottages on the Bay

Two elegant, dog friendly waterfront vacation cottages on Tomales Bay. Fully equipped one bedroom cottages in Inverness with large decks and amazing views.

Bed with views of trees and sky out of windows.

Point Reyes Station Inn B&B

A romantic dog-friendly Bed and Breakfast Inn walking distance to downtown Point Reyes Station, featuring a lush garden courtyard, private balconies and in-room fireplaces.

Bedroom opens onto Tomales Bay.

Coal and Feed

The Coal and Feed is one of the most romantic luxury vacation rentals in the Bay Area. It sits directly over Tomales Bay, offering spectacular…