If you’re a fan of whiskey-based cocktails, then a Manhattan drink is a must-try. This classic cocktail has been around for over a century and continues to be popular today. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of the Manhattan drink, explore its variations, and give you all the information you need to make a perfect Manhattan cocktail at home.
What is a Manhattan drink?
A Manhattan drink is a cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It is typically served in a chilled, stemmed glass and garnished with a Maraschino cherry. The drink is named after the borough of Manhattan in New York City, where it is said to have originated.
The flavor profile of a Manhattan drink is bold and complex, with the sweet vermouth providing a rich, flavorful base for the whiskey and bitters to play off of. The type of whiskey used can vary, but rye whiskey is often favored due to its spicy, robust flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
History of the Manhattan cocktail
Like many classic cocktails, the exact origin of the Manhattan drink is shrouded in mystery. There are several theories about how the drink came to be, but no one knows for sure which is correct.
One popular story is that the Manhattan was invented in the late 1800s by a bartender at the Manhattan Club in New York City. The club was an exclusive hangout for wealthy elites, and the drink quickly became popular among its patrons. However, there is little evidence to support this theory, and some historians believe it to be a marketing ploy by the club’s owners.
Another theory is that the Manhattan was created by a bartender named Black at a bar on Broadway near Houston Street. This theory is based on a 1904 interview with a man named William F. Mulhall, who claimed to have witnessed the drink’s invention in the 1860s. However, there is no other evidence to support this claim.
Despite its murky origins, the Manhattan drink has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic cocktail.
Variations on the Manhattan cocktail
While the classic Manhattan recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations that you can try to mix things up. Here are some of the most popular Manhattan cocktail variations:
Perfect Manhattan
A Perfect Manhattan is made with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth instead of just sweet vermouth. This variation adds a bit more complexity to the drink and balances out the sweetness with some dryness.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 2 dashes bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.
Rob Roy
The Rob Roy is a Scotch-based version of the Manhattan cocktail. It’s named after the famous Scottish folk hero, and it’s a great option if you prefer the smokiness of Scotch over the spiciness of rye whiskey.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Scotch
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes bitters
- Lemon peel or cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel or cherry.
Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan is a more modern twist on the classic cocktail. It swaps out sweet vermouth for Averna, an Italian liqueur that adds a bitter, herbal note to the drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz Averna
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel.
Manhattan Up
The Manhattan Up variation is simply a Manhattan served up, meaning it’s strained into a chilled glass without ice. This makes for a more elegant presentation and allows the flavors of the drink to shine through.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.
Ingredients in a classic Manhattan recipe
To make a classic Manhattan cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 ozsweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters to the glass.
- Stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.
It’s important to note that the quality of your ingredients can make a big difference in the final product. For example, using a high-quality rye whiskey can elevate the drink’s flavor profile and make for a smoother sip. Similarly, investing in a good sweet vermouth can help balance out the bitterness of the bitters and add depth to the cocktail.
Conclusion
The Manhattan drink is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. While its exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, the drink’s popularity among whiskey lovers is undeniable. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of its many variations, there’s no denying that a well-made Manhattan cocktail is a thing of beauty. So next time you’re in the mood for a tasty, sophisticated drink, give the Manhattan a try – you won’t be disappointed.