The Manhattan is a sophisticated and timeless cocktail known for its rich and complex flavor profile. This recipe focuses on the traditional version.
Yields: 1 cocktail
Prep time: 3 minutes
Simple Manhattan Cocktail Ingredients:
- 60 ml (2 oz) rye whiskey (or bourbon, for a slightly sweeter profile)
- 30 ml (1 oz) sweet vermouth (manhattan ingredients 3/4 oz sweet red vermouth is a common starting point, adjust to your preference)
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish (preferably a good quality brand, not bright red)
Tools:
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger (for measuring)
- Strainer
- Chilled coupe or martini glass
Instructions:
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Fill your coupe or martini glass with ice to chill it while you prepare the cocktail.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Mixing Glass
Pour the rye whiskey (or bourbon), sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters into the mixing glass. Use a jigger to ensure accurate measurements.
Step 3: Add Ice
Fill the mixing glass about two-thirds full with ice.
Step 4: Stir Well
Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently but thoroughly for about 20-30 seconds. You want to chill the drink and slightly dilute it. Stirring (instead of shaking) helps maintain the clarity and silky texture of the cocktail.
Step 5: Strain into Chilled Glass
Empty the ice from your chilled coupe or martini glass. Place a strainer over the mixing glass and strain the Manhattan into the chilled glass.
Step 6: Garnish
Garnish your Manhattan with a maraschino cherry. Traditionally, it's just dropped into the glass.
Savor your perfectly crafted Manhattan!
Answering Your Questions:
What alcohol is best for a Manhattan?
While bourbon can be used, the best alcohol for a Manhattan, in the traditional sense, is rye whiskey. Rye whiskey's spicier and bolder flavor profile stands up well against the sweetness of the vermouth and the bitterness of the bitters, creating a more balanced and complex cocktail. However, personal preference reigns supreme, and many enjoy Manhattans made with bourbon for a smoother, sweeter drink.
What's the difference between a Manhattan and an old fashioned?
The key differences between a Manhattan drink vs Old Fashioned are:
- Base Spirit: Both traditionally use whiskey, but a Manhattan typically uses rye (or bourbon), while an Old Fashioned almost exclusively uses bourbon (or rye).
- Sweetener: A Manhattan uses sweet vermouth as its sweetener and modifier. An Old Fashioned uses sugar (usually in the form of a sugar cube or simple syrup).
- Bitters: Both use bitters, but a Manhattan typically calls for Angostura bitters. An Old Fashioned also often uses Angostura, but orange bitters are also common, and variations exist.
- Garnish: A Manhattan is garnished with a maraschino cherry. An Old Fashioned is traditionally garnished with an orange peel (expressed over the drink) and sometimes a cherry (though this is debated).
- Preparation: A Manhattan is stirred with ice and strained. An Old Fashioned is often built in the glass by muddling sugar and bitters, then adding whiskey and ice.
What's a perfect Manhattan?
A Perfect Manhattan recipe is a variation that uses equal parts sweet vermouth and dry vermouth, in addition to the whiskey and bitters. This creates a slightly drier and more complex vermouth character compared to a standard Manhattan made solely with sweet vermouth. A common ratio for a Perfect Manhattan is:
- 60 ml (2 oz) rye or bourbon whiskey
- 15 ml (½ oz) sweet vermouth
- 15 ml (½ oz) dry vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cherry or orange twist for garnish (preference varies)
How to make an awesome Manhattan?
Here are some tips on how to make an awesome Manhattan:
- Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your whiskey and vermouth will significantly impact the final taste. Choose a good quality rye or bourbon and a decent bottle of sweet vermouth.
- Freshness Matters: While there are no fresh juices, ensure your vermouth hasn't been open for too long (it's a fortified wine and can oxidize over time). Store it in the refrigerator after opening.
- Proper Stirring: Stir for the right amount of time (20-30 seconds) to achieve optimal chilling and dilution without over-diluting.
- Taste and Adjust: Don't be afraid to adjust the ratio of whiskey to vermouth to suit your personal preference. Some prefer a drier Manhattan with slightly less vermouth.
- Good Bitters: Use quality Angostura bitters and experiment with other bitters like orange or black walnut for interesting variations (Manhattan cocktail variations often involve different bitters).
- Garnish Wisely: A good quality maraschino cherry makes a difference. Avoid the bright red, overly sweet ones. Luxardo or other gourmet brands are excellent choices. Alternatively, you can experiment with an expressed orange peel for a different aromatic element.
- Chill Everything: Make sure your serving glass is well-chilled. You can even chill your mixing glass beforehand for an extra cold cocktail.
- Consider a "Perfect" Manhattan: Try the Perfect Manhattan recipe variation for a more nuanced flavor profile.
By paying attention to these details, you can elevate your Manhattan from good to truly awesome!
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