Manhattan Drink

The Manhattan Drink, with its strong, boozy flavor, is exactly what a cocktail should be: sophisticated, subtle and immensely satisfying!

The Perfect Formula for a Fabulous Cocktail!

A traditional Manhattan recipe applies the magic formula of mixing a base spirit with a sweet component and a bit of bitters. The sweetness softens the liquor, and the touch of bitters adds complexity and depth. This classic structure works so well that it can be found in an Old Fashioned, a classic martini, a Black Russian, and countless other amazing cocktails. When you follow the format, you absolutely can’t go wrong!  

You can also create your own adventure by using different ratios of spirit to sweet, different types of whiskey (rye makes the Manhattan spicy and dry, while bourbon gives a sweeter, softer finish, and various types of bitters). Regardless of how you pair the ingredients, the result will still be a great cocktail!

Other Cocktail Recipes like a Manhattan

• Classic Old Fashioned – the smooth, uncomplicated legend.
• Negroni Cocktail – a smooth, citrus libation that’s perfect for sipping!

Ingredients

Whiskey: Following the format, use rye whiskey to make a traditional Manhattan, or substitute bourbon for a softer, mellower finish.

Sweet: Sweet vermouth gives the Manhattan the perfect balance!

Bitter: Angostura bitters create gorgeous layers of flavor (with notes of cardamom and cinnamon). So tasty!

Garnish: Brandied cherries are amazing, but maraschino cherries work as well.

How to Make a Classic Manhattan Cocktail

STEP ONE: Chill your cocktail glass by filling it with ice and water. Then, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the whisky, vermouth, and bitters.

STEP TWO: Cover and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds or stir with a bar spoon.

STEP THREE: Dump the ice water out of the martini glass. Then, strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with brandied or maraschino cherries and drink up!

Tips for Success

• A Manhattan is usually served in a chilled cocktail glass. 
• Bartender Tip: Skewer a few cherries, lay them across the glass, and pour the mixed drink over the cherries to add even more flavor!
• To adhere to a proper Manhattan, stick with a sweet vermouth (vs. dry). The sweet pairs well with all types of whiskey and adds interest and depth of flavor. 
• Angostura bitters are the traditional choice, but you could also go for other bitters (like orange) for a fruity twist.

What IS a Manhattan Cocktail?

The world-famous Manhattan drink features rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of aromatic bitters for a sophisticated, smooth, sweet, and spicy drink all at once. This cocktail is rumored to have started in a New York City club nearly 150 years ago. And while the stories of exactly who started it and where are a bit vague, the recipe has managed to hold its own for well over a century!

What’s the Difference between Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye?

Whiskey is an oak-barrel-aged, distilled spirit made from a fermented grain mash, such as barley. Rye and bourbon are both TYPES of whiskey. The differences among whiskey, bourbon, and rye mostly have to do with the grain used to make them and the types of barrels used to age them. (The barrels are generally oak and can be aged, new, charred, toasted, etc., giving each type a distinctive flavor.)

Rye whiskey is made from at least 51% rye (a wheat-type grass) and has an earthy, malty taste. Bourbon is a whiskey made from at least 51% corn and has a sweeter, more mellow flavor.

Other Creative Cocktail Recipes for Celebrating!

• Raspberry Champagne Cocktail
• The Saint Champagne Cocktail
• Sparkling Cranberry Martini
• Cosmopolitan Cocktail
• Champagne Lemonade
• Lemon Drop Martini

*This post originally posted on 10/18/2015.