Noah Vinter
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail with a rich history that has endured for over a century. Its main alcoholic constituent is whiskey, specifically rye whiskey, which was the first grain used to make whiskey in the US. However, the choice of whiskey is flexible, and bourbon, Canadian whisky, blended whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey are also commonly used. The cocktail typically follows a 2:1 spirit-to-vermouth ratio, with sweet vermouth being the standard choice, although some variations use a combination of sweet and dry vermouth. The final key ingredient is bitters, with Angostura being the classic choice, although alternatives such as orange bitters or Peychaud's Bitters are also used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Alcoholic Constituent | Whiskey |
| Type of Whiskey | Rye, Bourbon, Scotch, Canadian, Tennessee, or Blended |
| Other Ingredients | Sweet Vermouth, Bitters, Maraschino Cherry |
| Ratio | 2:1 Whiskey to Vermouth, or 2:1:1 Whiskey to Sweet and Dry Vermouth |
| Garnish | Lemon, Orange Peel, Cherry |
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What You'll Learn
Rye whiskey
The Manhattan cocktail is believed to have originated in the 1800s, although its exact origins are unclear. Many credible records place its creation at the Manhattan Club in New York City, with some claiming it was first mixed for Lady Randolph Churchill, although this is unlikely as she was not in the United States at the time. The drink may also have originated in the 1860s by a bartender named Black at a bar on Broadway near Houston Street.
The Manhattan cocktail is typically made by stirring the ingredients with ice and then straining them into a chilled cocktail glass. It can also be served on the rocks in a lowball glass. The traditional garnish is a maraschino cherry, although other garnishes such as a lemon peel or orange zest can also be used.
The Manhattan has several variations, including the Perfect Manhattan, which uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, the Reverse Manhattan, which inverts the amount of whiskey to vermouth, the Black Manhattan, which replaces vermouth with Averna amaro, and the Blonde Manhattan, which is made with moonshine and orange liqueur.
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Bourbon
A Manhattan cocktail is typically made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. While rye is the traditional whiskey of choice, other commonly used whiskies include Canadian whisky, bourbon, blended whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is produced only in the United States of America. It is typically barrel-aged and distilled from corn, with at least 51% corn mash, and is known for its unique flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, spices, and oak.
The Manhattan cocktail is believed to have originated in the 1800s, with its exact origins shrouded in mystery. It is named after the Manhattan Club in New York City, where it is thought to have been created. The drink is usually stirred with ice, strained into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnished with a maraschino cherry. The classic bitters used in a Manhattan are Angostura bitters, but variations include orange bitters or Peychaud's Bitters.
The Manhattan cocktail is known for its simple formula, which consists of a base liquor mixed with half as much vermouth and a couple of dashes of bitters. This formula has served as a template for countless other cocktails, including the Old Fashioned, which is essentially a Manhattan with a teaspoon of sugar instead of sweet vermouth. The Manhattan is also related to the Brooklyn cocktail, which uses dry vermouth and Maraschino liqueur in place of the Manhattan's sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters.
While rye whiskey is the traditional choice for a Manhattan, bourbon has become a commonly accepted substitute. Rye whiskey contributes spicier and more peppery notes to the cocktail, while bourbon tends to be slightly sweeter. As the sweet vermouth already adds richness and a rounder flavor profile, the drier rye whiskey is often preferred to balance the cocktail. However, the use of rye or bourbon ultimately comes down to personal preference, and both options have their own allure.
The Manhattan has remained one of the world's most popular cocktails for over a century, with its classic combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It is known for its spirit-forward and aromatic qualities, with a standard 2:1 liquor-to-vermouth ratio that provides an ideal structural balance. The popularity of the Manhattan has led to numerous variations, including the Perfect Manhattan, which uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, and the Reverse Manhattan, which inverts the amount of whiskey to vermouth.
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Vermouth variations
The Manhattan is a cocktail made with whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. While rye is the traditional whiskey of choice, other commonly used whiskies include Canadian whisky, bourbon, blended whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey. The cocktail is usually stirred with ice, strained, and served in a chilled glass, often with a maraschino cherry garnish.
The Manhattan cocktail is subject to considerable variation and innovation, and its simple formula has inspired countless drinks, some of which are now classics in their own right. The standard recipe starts with three ingredients: two parts whiskey, one part sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. From that timeless formula, there are many variations.
Perfect Manhattan
This variation uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, 1/2 ounce each, and is sometimes called a "half-dry Manhattan".
Reverse Manhattan
This version inverts the amount of whiskey to vermouth, using 1 ounce of rye whiskey combined with 2 ounces of sweet vermouth.
Rob Roy
This variation uses Scotch whisky instead of rye.
Black Manhattan
This variation replaces vermouth with Averna amaro and adds one dash of orange bitters in addition to one dash of Angostura bitters.
Blonde Manhattan
This variation is made with 2 oz moonshine, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 0.5 oz orange liqueur, and 3 dashes of orange bitters.
Brandy Manhattan
This variation is made with brandy instead of whiskey and is said to be very popular in Wisconsin.
Cuban Manhattan
This variation is a Perfect Manhattan with dark rum as its principal ingredient.
Dean Lyder
This variation is made with orange bitters and zest, giving it a bold character.
Martinez
Possibly a predecessor to the Manhattan, the Martinez is a cross between a Manhattan and a Martini. It uses a gin base and is sweetened with maraschino liqueur.
Bobby Burns
This variation is a Scotch whisky Manhattan that replaces the original's bitters with Benedictine.
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Bitters
The Manhattan is a simple cocktail, usually made with a 2:1 spirit-to-vermouth ratio, and a dash of bitters. Angostura is the classic bitters used in this cocktail, but orange bitters, Peychaud's Bitters, or even homemade bitters may be used. The bitters add depth and accentuate the base spirit's notes of oak ageing.
Some variations of the Manhattan cocktail include different types of bitters, or even additional bitters. For example, the Black Manhattan replaces vermouth with Averna amaro and includes a dash of orange bitters in addition to the Angostura bitters. The Blonde Manhattan includes orange bitters, while the Dean Lyder is a twist on the perfect Manhattan, made with orange bitters and zest.
The type of bitters used in a Manhattan cocktail can make a big difference to the overall flavour profile of the drink. For example, a Manhattan made with celery bitters is substantially more dry and markedly more bitter than one made with Jerry Thomas Decanter Bitters. The former has a briny nose with herbaceousness and hints of dill or coriander, while the latter has a more complex palate with aromas of lemongrass, orange peel, and ginger.
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Garnishes
The Manhattan cocktail is traditionally garnished with a maraschino cherry. However, there are several other ways to garnish this classic drink.
Cherries
The Manhattan is often garnished with a single cherry, but some recipes call for two or three. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are recommended by some, while others prefer to avoid the neon-red cocktail cherries in favour of a darker variety. Some recipes also add a splash of syrup or juice from the cherry jar to the cocktail for additional sweetness and colour.
Citrus
A twist of orange or lemon peel is another popular way to garnish a Manhattan. This adds a wonderful aroma to the cocktail, balancing the smell of the alcohol. A slice of citrus fruit can also be used, such as the lemon garnish suggested in one of the earliest recipes for the Manhattan from 1892.
Herbs
A sprig of fresh herbs can add a sophisticated touch to a cocktail. While there are no specific references to herb garnishes for a Manhattan, a simple sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme could complement the drink's aromatic qualities.
Luxuries
For an extra-special touch, a more luxurious garnish could be added. A single truffle or a small piece of dark chocolate could be used to complement the rich, sweet flavours of the Manhattan.
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Frequently asked questions
A Manhattan cocktail is a mixture of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
The main alcoholic constituent of a Manhattan cocktail is whiskey.
Rye is the traditional whiskey of choice, but other commonly used whiskies include Canadian whisky, bourbon, blended whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey.
