Manhattan

Like the martini, the MANHATTAN can be custom-mixed by preference or mood. Those who are opposed to the sweeter version can choose a rye whiskey or dry vermouth. The classic version allows your choice of bourbon, rye or Canadian whiskey mixed with sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters and a maraschino cherry.

Requirements: bourbon, rye or Canadian whiskey, sweet vermouth, Angostura or orange bitters, maraschino cherry and juice

• 3 oz. bourbon, rye or Canadian whiskey
• 1.5 oz. sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura or orange bitters
• 1/2 teaspoon maraschino cherry syrup
• 1 maraschino cherry garnish

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir 10-15 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

History: Some accounts say that the Manhattan was created in the 1860’s by a bartender at a Manhattan bar located near Broadway & Houston Street. It’s been suggested that it gained real popularity at a Manhattan Club banquet in the mid 1870’s. A shift from American whiskey to Canadian whiskey occurred during prohibition (1920-33) because of Canadian whiskey’s availability.

Comment: My personal ruling on ratio of whiskey to sweet vermouth is determined by the quality of my ingredients: If I have the standard $8 sweet vermouth along with a good whiskey, I’ll use only 3/4 oz. of sweet vermouth with 3 oz. of a good whiskey; if my whiskey is an okay staple whiskey but my sweet vermouth is good (e.g., Carpano Antica Formula, Dolin Rouge, Cinzano Roso), I’ll keep the whiskey-to-vermouth ratio 2:1. It’s a personal preference decision.

Similar Cocktails:

Mezcal Manhattan — https://keetscocktails.com/mezcal-manhattan/

Manhattan Sweet with Bitter Chocolate — https://keetscocktails.com/manhattan-sweet-w-bitter…/

Stiletto Manhattan –– https://keetscocktails.com/stiletto-manhattan-2/

Peychauds Manhattan –– https://keetscocktails.com/peychauds-manhattan/

Manhattan Minute — https://keetscocktails.com/manhattan-minute-2/