Manhattan
A stirred, spirit-forward classic of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters, with a rich, spicy-sweet taste.
- 30.7% ABV
- Stirred
- 3 min
- Martini glass
- strong
- rich
- herbal
- IBA official cocktail · The Unforgettables
about 1.5 standard drinks (US, 14 g of alcohol). Estimated after dilution with ice.
Ingredients
- 1¾ ozRye whiskeyIts spicy, dry character is the classic backbone of the drink.
- ¾ ozSweet (red) vermouth
- 1 dashAromatic bittersOne dash only: it adds spice and depth without dominating.
Ice: No ice · Garnish: cocktail cherry
Method
- Chill a cocktail glass with ice water or in the freezer.
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes, then add 50 ml rye whiskey, 20 ml sweet vermouth and 1 dash of aromatic bitters.
- Stir well for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is very cold.
- Empty the chilled glass and strain the drink into it, with no ice.
- Garnish with a cocktail cherry.
Tips
- Stir rather than shake: stirring keeps the drink clear and silky, while shaking would cloud it.
- Canadian whisky and bourbon are common alternatives; bourbon generally gives a rounder, sweeter drink.
- For a Perfect Manhattan, replace the 20 ml of sweet vermouth with 10 ml sweet and 10 ml dry vermouth.
History
The origin of the Manhattan is disputed. A popular story places its creation at the Manhattan Club in New York in the 1870s, but historians doubt it. Recipes combining whiskey, vermouth and bitters were printed in bartending guides by the 1880s.
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