Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
How to make a Manhattan
The Manhattan - thought to be created in the early 1800s at the Manhattan Club in New York, this is a cocktail with a rich and sophisticated history. The beauty of this one is that it is easy to make and extremely accessible with just 3 easy to find ingredients.
The Manhattan Cocktail History
The Manhattan cocktail is more than just a drink; it's a sip of history, a libation with roots reaching back to the Gilded Age of the late 19th century. As the story goes, the cocktail found its first home in the social clubs and bars of New York City, particularly in the borough of Manhattan – hence the name.
The Birth of the Manhattan: A New York Tale
Picture the late 1800s, a time when bustling cities and burgeoning industries were reshaping America. It was during this era of sophistication and style that the Manhattan cocktail made its debut. The exact origin remains a bit murky, as is often the case with legends born in the world of mixology.
One popular tale suggests that the cocktail was created at the Manhattan Club in the 1870s. The honor is often attributed to a bartender named Black, who crafted the drink for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill's mother. Whether a product of happenstance or deliberate creation, the cocktail quickly gained popularity in the city's social circles.
Prohibition and the Manhattan's Cocktail Survival
The Manhattan experienced a rollercoaster ride during Prohibition in the 1920s. While many cocktails suffered from the absence of legally produced spirits, the Manhattan endured, becoming a symbol of defiance and sophistication in the face of adversity.
During this era, the drink found itself not only surviving but thriving in the clandestine speakeasies that dotted the city. Bartenders would mix up Manhattans, often disguising the taste of bootleg spirits with the robust flavors of sweet vermouth and bitters.
The Evolution of a Classic Cocktail
Over the decades, the Manhattan has seen its fair share of transformations. From the rye-based original to variations featuring bourbon or even Scotch whisky, the cocktail has adapted to the changing preferences of drinkers while retaining its core essence – a harmonious blend of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
In recent years, the resurgence of interest in classic cocktails and craft mixology has catapulted the Manhattan back into the limelight. Bartenders and home enthusiasts alike are rediscovering the charm of this timeless libation, experimenting with artisanal bitters, unique vermouths, and small-batch whiskeys to put their spin on the classic concoction.
Essential Ingredients
Your Home Bar Essentials Now, let's talk shop. A stellar Manhattan starts with quality bourbon or rye, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters. Don't worry; you don't need to break the bank – we've got budget-friendly suggestions.
Finding Your Flavor Balance
Because It's Your Drink Here's the deal – the beauty of the Manhattan lies in balance. Once, I had a customer who loved it a bit sweeter. So, we tweaked the ratios until it was perfect for them. Your home bar, your rules!
Garnishes and Presentation
Dress to Impress (Even at Home) Garnishes aren't just for show; they're the accessories that make your Manhattan pop. A twist of orange or a cherry – it's like putting the final touch on a masterpiece.
Exploring Manhattan Variations
Get Creative! Ready for a flavor adventure? I once played around with different bitters at the bar, and the results were fantastic. Try a Perfect Manhattan or add a unique twist – your taste buds will thank you.
Pairing Pleasures
Manhattan Meets Munchies Have you ever paired a Manhattan with a juicy burger or some tangy barbecue? It's a match made in heaven. Experiment and find your perfect pairing.
The Manhattan Experience at Home
Cheers to Moments! Here's the thing – a well-crafted Manhattan isn't just a drink; it's an experience. I've seen friends bond over a homemade Manhattan, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Pro Tips for Home Bartenders
From Me to You Alright, confession time. When I started bartending, I was terrified of measuring. But here's the secret: consistency is key. Invest in a jigger – your cocktails will thank you.
Modern Twists for Your Home Bar
Want to add a modern spin? I once experimented with infusing bourbon with vanilla – game-changer. Feel free to get creative and make your Manhattan uniquely yours.
Since the Manhattans invention in the 1800s the recipe for this cocktail has practically stayed the same, meaning the flavour you get from this tipple is much the same to that your great great great grandparents would of enjoyed.
For variations, try swapping the bourbon for rye whisky for an uniquely spicier edge. You can also swap the American whisky out completely for Scotch and you have a Rob Roy.
Manhattan Cocktail Video
Manhattan Cocktail Recipe Card
Manhattan
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chill a Nick and Nora by either putting it in the fridge or filling it with ice.
- Fill a mixing glass with ice, in said mixing jar, add the bourbon, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters. Stir well and using a julep strainer, strain into your now chilled Nick and Nora.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Notes
If you loved this cocktail, then you need to try a Boulevardier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
156.59Fat
0Sat. Fat
0Carbs
1.91Fiber
0Net carbs
1.91Sugar
0.39Protein
0.01Sodium
0.57Cholesterol
0The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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