Portobello Star Manhattan: A Perfect Twist on a Classic

The Manhattan, a timeless cocktail, has captured the hearts of drinkers for well over a century. Its simple yet sophisticated blend of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters has spawned countless variations. Among these is the Portobello Star Manhattan (Perfect), a refined and balanced version created at the Portobello Star bar in Notting Hill, London, by Jake Burger in 2011. This drink elevates the classic by using both sweet and dry vermouths, resulting in a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.

The History Behind the Manhattan

Before diving into the Portobello Star variation, it’s worth noting the origins of the original Manhattan. While the exact details remain speculative, the most popular theory suggests that it was invented in the early 1880s at the Manhattan Club in New York City. One story attributes its creation to Dr. Iain Marshall, who was said to have concocted it for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill, in honor of presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden. However, records indicate that Lady Randolph was likely in France at the time.

Regardless of its precise origins, the Manhattan quickly became a popular and fashionable cocktail. Early recipes sometimes called for equal parts whiskey and vermouth, but the standard eventually settled on a 2:1 ratio of whiskey to vermouth. The Manhattan’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients.

What Makes the Portobello Star Manhattan Unique?

The Portobello Star Manhattan (Perfect) takes the classic recipe and adds an intriguing twist. The key difference is the use of both dry and sweet vermouths, instead of relying solely on one. This tweak creates a “perfect” balance that many find more sophisticated than the standard recipe. This style of combining both vermouths isn’t exclusive to this cocktail, and using both is commonly referred to as a “perfect” cocktail within mixology circles.

Jake Burger’s version was inspired by his work with Robert Petrie of Bob’s Bitters. It emphasizes the importance of high-quality ingredients, notably a specific rye whiskey, as well as a specific dry and sweet vermouth and a dash of Abbott’s Bitters.

Ingredients for the Portobello Star Manhattan (Perfect)

To create this refined cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

• Rye Whiskey: 2 ounces (60ml). Rye is the traditional choice for a Manhattan, bringing a spicy character to the drink. A good quality rye whiskey is key. Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond is often suggested for this particular variation.
• Dry Vermouth: 0.5 ounce (15ml). The dry vermouth adds a crisp, herbal note, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients. Noilly Prat Blanc Original is frequently recommended.
• Sweet Vermouth: 0.5 ounce (15ml). A high-quality sweet vermouth provides rich, complex flavors of dried fruit and spice. Carpano Antica Formula is often the preferred choice for this recipe because of its intense vanilla notes.
• Abbott’s Bitters: 1 dash. Abbott’s Bitters, a unique style of bitters, adds a distinct layer of complexity. It provides an extra element of spice and depth. Bob’s Bitters has re-created this style for modern bartenders.
• Garnish: Luxardo Maraschino Cherry on a stick. A high-quality maraschino cherry adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal, completing the experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to craft the perfect Portobello Star Manhattan:

1. Chill Your Glass: Begin by selecting a coupe glass and placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice to chill. This helps keep your cocktail cold for longer.
2. Prepare the Garnish: Take a Luxardo Maraschino cherry and place it on a cocktail stick. Set aside.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the rye whiskey, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, and a dash of Abbott’s bitters.
4. Add Ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Use good quality ice, and be generous with it. The more ice, the better the dilution and temperature will be.
5. Stir: Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds. This process chills the cocktail and ensures the ingredients are well combined, while also maintaining the texture of the spirit.
6. Fine Strain: Remove the chilled coupe glass from the freezer or discard the ice. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
7. Garnish: Place the Luxardo cherry on a stick into the glass.
8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your perfectly balanced Portobello Star Manhattan.

Choosing Your Ingredients

While the recipe above provides guidance on specific brands, you can experiment with other options based on your preferences.

Whiskey

• Rye vs. Bourbon: Although the Portobello Star Manhattan calls for rye, some may prefer a bourbon for a sweeter, smoother profile. For a spicier Manhattan, rye whiskey is the classic choice. Some great rye options include Rittenhouse, Old Forester Rye, and Bulleit Rye.
• Experimentation: The choice of whiskey can significantly impact the final cocktail. Explore different brands to find one that suits your taste. For a sweeter cocktail, wheated bourbons like Maker’s Mark can be considered.

Vermouth

• Sweet Vermouth: Carpano Antica Formula is a popular choice with its intense vanilla notes. Other good options include Cocchi di Torino and Dolin Rouge. Italian sweet vermouths are generally preferred for their boldness, which pairs well with the whiskey, while French ones are more delicate and floral.
• Dry Vermouth: Noilly Prat Original Blanc is recommended for its classic, crisp character. Other good options include Dolin Vermouth de Chambéry Dry and Bordiga Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry. These bring a drier and more herbaceous flavor profile to the cocktail.
• Understanding Vermouth: Vermouth is a fortified wine, aromatized with botanicals. Different regions and brands have unique flavor profiles. Italian vermouths tend to be bolder and more herbal, while French ones are lighter and more floral.

Bitters

• Abbott’s Bitters: These bitters add a unique spice and depth to the cocktail. If you can’t find Abbott’s, consider using a high-quality aromatic bitters.
• Experimentation: While the classic recipe calls for aromatic bitters like Angostura, you can experiment with other types such as citrus bitters (orange or grapefruit) or cherry/spiced bitters to adjust the flavor profile to your personal taste.

Tips for the Best Portobello Star Manhattan

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The better the quality of your whiskey and vermouth, the better your cocktail will taste.
• Don’t Over-Stir: Stirring for too long can dilute your cocktail excessively. Aim for about 30 seconds of gentle stirring.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the ratio of ingredients to match your specific tastes. Some people prefer a slightly sweeter or drier Manhattan.
• Garnish Matters: The cherry is not just a decoration; it adds a touch of sweetness and completes the experience. A high-quality cherry like Luxardo is preferable to standard maraschino cherries.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Manhattan as soon as you make it, while it’s still perfectly chilled.

A Refined Take on a Classic

The Portobello Star Manhattan (Perfect) is a testament to the power of subtle changes in classic cocktails. By incorporating both dry and sweet vermouths, and a dash of Abbott’s Bitters, it provides a more complex and balanced drinking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or new to the world of mixed drinks, this recipe offers a sophisticated and rewarding journey into the realm of classic cocktails. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a perfect version of this cocktail at home.