Mason Delacroix
The Manhattan is a cocktail made with whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. While rye is the traditional whiskey of choice, other variations include bourbon, Canadian whisky, blended whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey. The cocktail is usually stirred with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, garnished with a maraschino cherry. The Manhattan is one of the world's most popular cocktails and has remained in fashion for nearly a century and a half.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Alcoholic Ingredient | Whiskey |
| Whiskey Types | Rye, Bourbon, Canadian, Scotch, Tennessee, or Blended |
| Other Alcoholic Ingredients | Sweet Vermouth, Dry Vermouth, or Amaro |
| Bitters | Angostura, Orange, Peychaud's, Black Walnut, or Homemade Cacao |
| Garnish | Maraschino Cherry, Lemon Peel, or Orange Peel |
| Glassware | Martini Glass, Coupe Glass, or Lowball Glass |
| Serving Style | Stirred or Shaken with Ice, Strained, or On the Rocks |
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What You'll Learn
Rye whiskey is the traditional choice
The Manhattan is a cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. While several types of whiskey can be used, rye whiskey is the traditional choice. The cocktail is usually stirred with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnished with a maraschino cherry. A Manhattan may also be served on the rocks in a lowball glass.
The Manhattan is one of the most popular cocktails in the world and has been for over a century. It is one of five cocktails named for a New York City borough and is said to have originated at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the mid-1870s. However, its exact origins are a bit of a mystery, with some claiming it was first mixed for Lady Randolph Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill.
Rye whiskey is considered the traditional ingredient in a Manhattan and is said to complement sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters, a liquid extract made from gentian and various herbs and spices, typically with undertones of cinnamon. Rye whiskey contributes spicier and more peppery notes to the cocktail, while bourbon, another common choice, is typically a touch sweeter. As the sweet vermouth already adds richness and a rounder flavor profile to the Manhattan, the drier rye whiskey is often preferred to act as a counterweight.
The Manhattan's template is rather simple and shared by countless cocktails: a base spirit combined with a sweet element and a bittering agent. Sugar softens the spirit, reduces the heat of the alcohol, and creates a mouthfeel while bringing out the whiskey's subtler aspects. A couple of dashes of bitters reintroduce depth and accentuate the base spirit's notes of oak aging. The Manhattan is often made with a 2:1 spirit-to-vermouth ratio, which is considered an ideal structural balance.
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Bourbon is a commonly accepted substitute
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has remained popular for over a century. It is typically made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, and garnished with a maraschino cherry. While rye whiskey is considered the traditional choice, bourbon is a commonly accepted substitute.
The Manhattan cocktail is known for its simplicity, with just three main ingredients: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The basic template of the Manhattan, with its 2:1 spirit-to-vermouth ratio, has served as an inspiration for countless other cocktails. The whiskey-based Manhattan is one of five cocktails named for a New York City borough and is said to have originated in the mid-1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City.
While rye whiskey is the traditional choice for a Manhattan, bourbon is a widely accepted alternative. The choice between rye and bourbon is often a matter of personal preference. 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, bourbon has its own allure and has been used in the Manhattan since its early days. Bourbon can provide a smoother and slightly sweeter flavor profile to the cocktail. When using bourbon, bartenders may adjust the amount of vermouth to avoid drowning out its flavor. For example, when using a rich and viscous vermouth like Carpano or Cocchi with a bourbon like Four Roses Yellow Label, bartenders may reduce the amount of vermouth in the cocktail.
In addition to the choice of whiskey, Manhattan recipes can vary depending on the type of vermouth and bitters used. Some recipes call for a combination of sweet and dry vermouth, while others use only sweet vermouth or dry vermouth. Angostura bitters are considered the classic choice, but orange bitters or Peychaud's Bitters are also commonly used.
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The cocktail is stirred, not shaken
The Manhattan is a cocktail with a rich history, and its preparation is just as important as its ingredients. While some bartenders shake their cocktails with ice in a cocktail shaker, creating a froth on the surface, a Manhattan is stirred.
Stirring a Manhattan is essential to maintaining the drink's signature silky texture and gorgeous amber hue. Shaking can break up the ice, dilute the flavour, and introduce air bubbles, resulting in a cloudy cocktail. The traditional method of stirring ensures that the Manhattan's weighty, spirit-forward body is preserved while still achieving the desired dilution and chill.
The Manhattan's classic combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters is best mixed by stirring. The base spirit, in this case, whiskey, gives the cocktail its full-bodied texture, which can be lost if shaken. The sweet vermouth, which typically averages 150 grams of sugar per 750 ml bottle, adds a rounder flavour profile to the cocktail. The bitters, often the spicy Angostura variety, provide depth and accentuate the base spirit's notes. Stirring these ingredients together creates a harmonious balance, allowing each element to shine without overpowering the others.
While the Manhattan has endured as a timeless classic, bartenders have experimented with variations. The Perfect Manhattan, for instance, features equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, offering a unique twist on the traditional recipe. The Black Manhattan substitutes sweet vermouth with amaro, an Italian bitter liqueur, for a more bitter flavour profile. These variations showcase the versatility of the Manhattan template while emphasising the importance of stirring to integrate diverse ingredients seamlessly.
Stirring a Manhattan is not just a method of preparation; it's an art that honours the cocktail's history and elevates the drinking experience. Whether enjoyed in a martini glass or on the rocks, a properly stirred Manhattan is a testament to the bartender's craftsmanship and a delight for the senses.
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It's served in a martini or coupe glass
The Manhattan cocktail is a stylish and timeless drink that has endured both trend and political changes. It is typically served in a martini glass or a coupe glass. A martini glass has a thin or moderately thick stem and an inverted cone bowl, while a coupe glass has a thick stem and a shallow bowl.
The Manhattan is a booze-forward cocktail, and as such, it is stirred rather than shaken to ensure dilution and chill while maintaining its silky texture and gorgeous amber hue. The standard 2:1 liquor-to-vermouth ratio is a proven ideal structural balance, with the whiskey-to-vermouth ratio being a divisive point among cocktail enthusiasts. Rye whiskey is considered the traditional choice, adding spicier and more peppery notes, while bourbon, with its sweeter notes, has become a commonly accepted substitute.
The Manhattan is often served with a maraschino cherry garnish, but other garnishes such as orange or lemon peels can also be used. Some variations of the Manhattan include the Perfect Manhattan, which uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, the Reverse Manhattan, which inverts the amount of whiskey and vermouth, and the Dry Manhattan, made with dry vermouth.
The Manhattan has a simple yet effective template of a base spirit, a sweet element, and a bittering agent. This template has inspired countless other cocktails, including the Old Fashioned and the Negroni. The versatility of the Manhattan allows for ingredient substitutions and custom versions, making it a popular choice for bartenders and drinkers alike.
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The Manhattan has inspired many variations
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time and inspired countless variations. The original recipe, which dates back to the late 1800s, calls for a base spirit of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a brandied cherry for garnish. While the exact origin of the drink is debated, it is widely believed to have been invented in New York City, with the Manhattan Club in Midtown taking credit for its creation.
Over time, the Manhattan has evolved, and its simple, elegant formula has provided a perfect foundation for innovation. Bartenders and mixologists have experimented with different spirits, sweeteners, bitters, and garnishes to create unique twists on the classic. One of the most popular variations is the "Perfect Manhattan," which replaces the sweet vermouth with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, creating a slightly drier and more complex flavor profile.
Another well-loved variation is the "Bourbon Manhattan," which, as the name suggests, substitutes rye whiskey with bourbon. This swap results in a smoother, slightly sweeter cocktail with a distinct bourbon character. For those who enjoy a more herbal and savory drink, the "Dry Manhattan" is a preferred choice, made with dry vermouth and a dash of orange bitters, providing a more delicate and crisp flavor.
The Manhattan has also inspired creative interpretations with more unusual ingredients. For example, the "Tuxedo" adds a touch of absinthe to the original recipe, providing a unique anise flavor, while the "Torrone Manhattan" uses a honey-infused whiskey and a touch of lemon juice for a sweeter, more citrusy profile. Some modern interpretations play with smoke and peat by using peaty Scotch whisky, while others explore the use of different bitters, such as chocolate or orange, to add new dimensions to the classic.
The versatility of the Manhattan is undoubtedly part of its enduring appeal. Its simple structure allows for endless experimentation, and its iconic status ensures that any variation will be instantly recognizable, yet uniquely intriguing. Whether sticking to the classic recipe or exploring one of its many creative twists, the Manhattan remains a staple in the cocktail world, continuing to inspire both bartenders and drinkers alike.
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Frequently asked questions
A Manhattan is a cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It is usually garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Rye whiskey is the traditional choice for a Manhattan, but other types of whiskey can also be used, including bourbon, Canadian whisky, blended whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey.
The Manhattan cocktail is thought to have originated in the 1870s or 1880s, possibly at the Manhattan Club in New York City. One story claims that it was created for Lady Randolph Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill, but this is disputed.
Some popular variations of the Manhattan include the Perfect Manhattan, which uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, the Reverse Manhattan, which uses more vermouth than whiskey, and the Dry Manhattan, which uses dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth. Other variations include the Black Manhattan, which uses amaro instead of vermouth, and the Bobby Burns, which uses Scotch whisky and Benedictine instead of bitters.
