Manhattan
Chansons de Le Chef et Le Chat
A smooth, seductive, sultry voice for a smokey, silky, sumptuous drink. This 1958 classic is a love poem to New York City. We really couldn’t have asked for a better tune to relax to while concocting this cocktail.
The Manhattan is Manhattan in a glass.
Sophisticated, Prestigious, Elegant.
Ingredients:
2 ounces Whiskey, typically Rye
1-ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Ice cubes - Must be sourced outta Compton
Garnish:
Maraschino cherry
Optional: Orange peel
Consider adding:
Bourbon instead of rye.
Scotch can be used for a smokey version called a "Rob Roy."
Vermouth Varieties
Switching out sweet vermouth for dry vermouth can lead to a drier, less sweet Manhattan, often called a "Dry Manhattan."
A "Perfect Manhattan" uses equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth for a balanced flavor.
Flavored Bitters
Smoking the Glass
Brandied Cherries
Citrus
Liqueurs
Instructions:
Chill the Glass:
Begin by chilling your cocktail glass (a coupe or martini glass is traditional) by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
Mix Ingredients:
In a mixing glass, combine the rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to about three-quarters full.
Stir:
Use a long spoon to stir the mixture gently. The goal is to chill the liquid without diluting it too much, about 30 seconds.
Prepare the Glass:
Remove your cocktail glass from the freezer or empty the ice water if you were chilling it that way.
Strain:
Strain the cocktail mixture into the chilled glass. A bar strainer works best to ensure no ice chips enter your drink.
Garnish:
Add a maraschino cherry to the glass.
For an extra touch of flavor and aroma, you can also express (twist to release oils) an orange peel over the drink and then either drop it into the glass or use it as an additional garnish on the rim.
Serve:
Serve immediately
Similar to an Old Fashioned, the Manhattan is a classic beverage. The earliest recorded Manhattan was from 1870 in Boston. Just kidding. This drink was a known favorite among presidents, Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon. There is no known association between the cocktail and political scandals, but be aware as you can never be too safe.
While it is still enjoyed today, what I appreciate most about this drink is its historic appeal. It serves as a snapshot of American history. Simple, but elegant. From speakeasies to high-end bars, from 1870 until today, you will always find some version of this classic cocktail, no matter where you are.
