When was the Manhattan Invented
The exact origin of the Manhattan cocktail is unclear, but it is believed to have been invented in the late 1800s.
The popular theory is that it was created at the Manhattan Club in New York City for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (the mother of Winston Churchill) in honor of Samuel J. Tilden’s presidential campaign in 1874.
However, this claim has been disputed, and there are other stories and legends surrounding the creation of the Manhattan.
Regardless of its true origin, the Manhattan has become a classic cocktail and has been enjoyed by cocktail lovers for over a century.
What You Need
- bourbon
- rye whiskey (some prefer Canadian whisky)
- sweet vermouth
- Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
- Orange peel for garnish
- Ice
How to Make a Manhattan
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add 1 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey, ½ oz of sweet vermouth, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
- Stir the ingredients with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a twist of orange peel.
- Serve and enjoy your classic Manhattan cocktail.
Note: Some variations of the Manhattan may call for different types of bitters or garnishes.
Tip For Making a Manhattan
- Use good quality ingredients: Since the Manhattan is a simple cocktail, the quality of the ingredients you use can greatly impact the taste. Choose a good quality bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters for the best flavor.
- Don’t overdo the bitters: While bitters are an important part of the Manhattan, it’s easy to add too much and overpower the other flavors. Stick to a few dashes of bitters, and adjust according to your preference.
- Stir, don’t shake: Unlike some other cocktails, a Manhattan should be stirred, not shaken. This helps to chill the drink without diluting it too much or creating air bubbles.
- Chill your glass: Before pouring your Manhattan cocktail, chill your cocktail glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water. This will help keep the drink cold while you enjoy it.
- Experiment with garnishes: While a cherry and orange twist are the classic garnishes for a Manhattan, feel free to experiment with different fruits or herbs to add your own personal touch to the drink.
Frequently asked questions
- What type of whiskey should I use for a Manhattan? Bourbon or rye whiskey are the most commonly used types of whiskey for a Manhattan, but some people prefer Canadian whisky. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.
- What’s the difference between sweet and dry vermouth? Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that’s sweetened with caramelized sugar and often infused with herbs and spices. Dry vermouth, on the other hand, is a fortified wine that’s flavored with botanicals, but it’s not sweetened. In a Manhattan, sweet vermouth is typically used.
- Can I use different types of bitters in a Manhattan? Yes, you can experiment with different types of bitters to add different flavors to your Manhattan. Some people prefer to use orange bitters or aromatic bitters in place of Angostura bitters.
- Should I garnish my Manhattan with a cherry and orange twist? While a cherry and orange twist are the traditional garnishes for a Manhattan, you can use different garnishes if you prefer. Some people like to use a lemon twist or a sprig of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Can I make a Manhattan in advance? It’s not recommended to make a Manhattan in advance as the vermouth will oxidize over time and alter the flavor of the cocktail. It’s best to make a Manhattan fresh and serve it immediately.
Manhattan
The exact origin of the Manhattan cocktail is unclear, but it is believed to have been invented in the late 1800s. The popular theory is that it was created at the Manhattan Club in New York City for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (the mother of Winston Churchill) in honor of Samuel J. Tilden's presidential campaign in 1874. However, this claim has been disputed, and there are other stories and legends surrounding the creation of the Manhattan. Regardless of its true origin, the Manhattan has become a classic cocktail and has been enjoyed by cocktail lovers for over a century.
Ingredients
- 3 drop Angostura bitters
- 1 oz bourbon whiskey
- ½ oz rye whiskey
- ½ oz sweet vermouth
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add 1 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey, ½ oz of sweet vermouth, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
- Stir the ingredients with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a twist of orange peel.
- Serve and enjoy your classic Manhattan cocktail.
Notes
Some people prefer to stir their Manhattan cocktail with ice in a separate mixing glass, then strain it into a chilled cocktail glass. Others prefer to shake the ingredients with ice and strain it into the glass. Both methods are acceptable, but stirring is more traditional for a Manhattan.
