What is the standard garnish for a Manhattan?

A Manhattan is traditionally garnished with a maraschino cherry, which adds a touch of sweetness and an appealing visual contrast to the drink's dark color. The cherry not only enhances the flavor profile but also serves as a classic symbol of the cocktail, making it distinctly recognized as a Manhattan.

The use of a maraschino cherry aligns with the drink's flavor composition, specifically the combination of whiskey (typically rye or bourbon) and sweet vermouth. While the garnish may vary in different settings or personal preferences, the maraschino cherry is the standard and is most commonly associated with this cocktail.

Other garnishes such as a lemon twist or olive serve different cocktails, with the lemon twist usually complementing drinks with citrus notes and the olive traditionally used in martinis. A mint sprig is more commonly associated with cocktails like the Mojito or Mint Julep, further emphasizing that while garnishing can be creative, the maraschino cherry is definitive for a Manhattan.