What is a Manhattan cocktail?
A Manhattan cocktail is a classic cocktail made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters served in a martini or coupe glass traditionally without ice. I always feel fancy ordering this classic cocktail at a bar especially when they bring it out in a nice coupe glass. One sip and you feel you’ve fallen back in time into a speakeasy.
Origins
The story goes that this cocktail was created at the Manhattan club for a banquet in honor of presidential candidate Samuel Tilden in the 1870’s. This is most likely false as similar recipes were scene as early as 1860 around the Manhattan area. It started to appear in cocktail books in the mid 1880’s with many different variations and styles.
Manhattan Recipe
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 lemon twist
Instruction Overview
Add all your ingredients into a glass.
Add some ice and stir until chilled.
Strain into a new glass.
FAQ
Traditionally Rye whiskey but any whiskey will do.
Can you serve it on the rocks?
Usually it is served straight up after being chilled in a separate glass and strained but if you’d prefer it on the rocks go for it.
Standard is Martini or Coupe glass but you can serve it in whatever you like.
Can you use Dry Vermouth?
Normally it uses a Sweet Vermouth but many recipes call for Dry or both.
The Olive Twist
The Manhattan is a drink where the liquor shines but shaking it up a bit can add new twists. The Brandy Manhattan replaces whiskey with Brandy. Throw in some dark rum instead and you have a Cuban Manhattan. Of course you can make the Perfect Manhattan by doing equal parts Dry and Sweet Vermouth.
Manhattan Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Coupe Glass
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Mixing Glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Rye Whiskey
- 1 ounce Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 twist Lemon
Instructions
- Grab a mixing glass.
- Add Rye Whiskey, Vermouth, and ice then stir until chilled.
- Double strain into a coupe glass.
- Rim glass with lemon twist.