You can drink this Manhattan underwater and it will still be deliciously dry.
Are you a fan of dry martinis and are looking for something just as dry to wet your whistle? Then the Dry Manhattan might be for you. Like its name suggests, this drink is an alternate take on the classic version of the cocktail. Bourbon is present in place of the rye, and instead of sweet vermouth, it uses dry. If you think I’ve been saying the word “dry” a lot, I can’t help it. This beverage is very dry. For myself, I prefer a Blanc vermouth when making things like martinis, but I do dip into drier territory from time to time. A really good vermouth makes all the difference in the world when it comes to cocktails. In fact, my original aversion to using a dry vermouth stemmed from buying a cheap brand.
The classic Manhattan is considered one of the original modern cocktails. Its history is storied, but also a little muddy and full of embellishments. For decades, it was widely believed that the drink was created for Winston Churchill’s mother at a banquet in 1874 at New York City’s Manhattan Club. While this event did take place, history tells us that Mama Churchill had given birth to her son only a month prior, and was in England at the time for the baby’s christening.
The most plausible origin for this iconic tipple comes from a man named George Black. Running an establishment called the Manhattan Inn from 1874 until his death in 1881, Black is often cited as the real inventor of the Manhattan. Bartender William F. Mulhall, who worked at the Manhattan Inn as a young man, recounted in 1923 that George Black was indeed the creator of the popular drink.
What is the Best Booze to Use in a Dry Manhattan?
A traditional Manhattan is usually concocted with rye whisky and sweet vermouth. Our cocktail today is a tad different, but no less amazing. A nice, top-shelf aged bourbon will be smooth, smoky and filled with notes of vanilla, caramel and other spices. Paired with a good dry vermouth (my favorite is Dolin), your Dry Manhattan will be crisp and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 1 ounce dry vermouth
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon whiskey, dry vermouth, and aromatic bitters.
- Add ice to the mixing glass until it is about three-quarters full.
- Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the cocktail without making it too watery.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass or a rocks glass if you prefer it on the rocks.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry, depending on your preference.
Nutrition
What type of glassware and garnish is used for a Dry Manhattan?
You can sip on your Dry Manhattan in either a chilled martini glass or in a rocks glass, served up straight. Garnish with a lemon peel or maraschino cherry.
What is the difference between dry and sweet vermouth?
Dry vermouths traditionally hail from France and are, of course, dry and with floral notes. Sweet vermouth originated in Italy and is spicy and herbal, as well as sweet. The dry types tend to be used in drinks like martinis, while the sweet varieties are used in cocktails such as negronis or Manhattans.
Dry Manhattan Variations
Versions of the classic Manhattan have been popular in bars and taverns the world over for decades. But one of the simple joys in life is being able to make yourself your favorite cocktail at home when the mood strikes you. Twist & Toast has a number of satisfying recipes to add to your arsenal. Try out a few of them tonight.
- Classic Manhattan – If you’ve never made the original Manhattan for yourself, our recipe is the perfect place to start.
- Martinez – Some say this old-school cocktail helped inspire the Martini, as well as the Manhattan.
- Gin Martini – Nothing beats an ice-cold and bone-dry Gin Martini.
- Tequila Manhattan – Give your next Big Apple-inspired tipple a little spicy Southwestern flavor by swapping out the rye or bourbon with tequila.
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