A classic dram, both robust and unforgettable, like the neighborhood it was named for.
If you’ve never been to New York City, what are you waiting for? It’s pretty much the capital of the world, a veritable melting pot of cultures and people from all over the globe. You want authentic Indian food? Try Murray Hill. Greek cuisine? Take the N train to Astoria. And on and on. I won’t even mention the pizza, fuhgeddaboutit.
If you can’t make it to the Big Apple, there’s another way to take a tour. Each borough has a cocktail named after or inspired by it. And a great way to start is by hitting the island of Manhattan and enjoying the famous drink that was named after it. Which also happens to be tonight’s drink.
The Manhattan is a sophisticated dram, comprised of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters. If you think it sounds like an “old school” drink, you’d be correct. Crafted during the mid-1800s, this recipe has been a reliable mainstay at bars, pubs and taverns for decades. One popular myth claims that the cocktail was invented during a party at the Manhattan Club in the 1870s, and the drink was created in honor of Jennie Jerome, the mother of Winston Churchill. But as she was in France and pregnant at that time, this story has been widely dismissed.
The more likely scenario is that no one knows for sure who mixed the first “official” Manhattan. In the end, does it matter? It’s still here and still as delectable as ever.
What Is the Best Whiskey To Use In a Manhattan?
Rye whiskey is the more traditional spirit to use in this cocktail. But any variety will stir up nicely with the vermouth and bitters. During the Prohibition era, Canadian whiskey was more widely and easily available, so Manhattans often used that style of spirit as its base. I tend to stick with a rye, as I like a peppery, spicier liquor in my Manhattan.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters optional
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass half-filled with ice, pour the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. For an extra note, you can add one dash of orange bitters.
- Stir well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a pre-chilled cocktail or coupe glass and top it off with a maraschino cherry.
Nutrition
What Glassware and Garnish are used?
Chill a cocktail glass or coupe in your freezer for up to thirty minutes. After you’ve poured your drink in, garnish with a maraschino cherry on a cocktail skewer.
Is a Brooklyn the same as a Manhattan?
A Brooklyn is very similar, but uses dry vermouth instead of sweet and includes maraschino liqueur.
Manhattan Variations
If the elegant, classic and noirish vibes of the Manhattan has sparked your imagination and has you pining for the rainy streets of the big city, you’ll be pleased to know there are other tipples out there that have the atmosphere to match the flavor. And, if you want more Manhattans, check these recipes out below.
- Bourbon Manhattan – An easy and smoky riff on the classic concoction.
- Black Manhattan – Mysterious and bittersweet, this robust sipper adds amaro and orange bitters.
- Rum Manhattan – Have a tropically-tinged and spicy version of the legendary dram.
- Dry Manhattan – Swap out the sweet vermouth for dry in this crisp and refreshing drink.
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