The Manhattan cocktail, a timeless blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, stands as a monument to the golden age of cocktails. This sophisticated drink, with its rich history and complex flavor profile, has remained a favorite of cocktail enthusiasts for well over a century. The combination of strong spirit, sweet notes, and a touch of bitterness makes it a truly unique and satisfying drink.
The Origins of the Manhattan
The exact origin of the Manhattan is shrouded in a bit of mystery, with several competing stories. Many believe it was first created in the 1880s at the Manhattan Club in New York City. One popular tale credits the drink to Dr. Iain Marshall, who was said to have concocted it for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (Lady Randolph Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill). However, records indicate Lady Randolph was in France at the time, casting doubt on this particular story. Another version suggests a bartender named Black invented it in the 1860s at a bar near Houston Street. Regardless of its precise genesis, the Manhattan quickly gained popularity and has been a staple in the cocktail world ever since. The first written mentions of the cocktail appeared in print in 1882.
The Classic Manhattan Recipe
The standard recipe for a Manhattan is relatively simple, involving just three key ingredients:
- Whiskey: Traditionally, rye whiskey is the spirit of choice, known for its spicy and bold character that stands up well against the sweetness of the vermouth. However, bourbon is also a popular alternative, providing a sweeter, smoother profile. Canadian whisky is sometimes used for a softer taste.
- Sweet Vermouth: This fortified wine adds a crucial layer of sweetness and complexity. It balances the intensity of the whiskey with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and baking spices.
- Angostura Bitters: Just a few dashes of these aromatic bitters enhance the overall flavor of the drink, adding a touch of complexity and balancing the sweetness.
The classic ratio for a Manhattan is typically 2 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. However, some people adjust this ratio to their taste. It’s important to note that the quality of ingredients greatly impacts the final outcome of the drink.
How to Make a Sweet Manhattan
- Chill Your Glass: Begin by filling a coupe or martini glass with ice. This helps to chill the glass while you prepare the cocktail.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- Add Ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Stir, Don’t Shake: Gently stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds, or a minimum of 20 rotations with a bar spoon. Do not shake the cocktail, as this can result in unwanted aeration and cloudiness. Stirring ensures the cocktail is chilled properly without too much dilution.
- Strain: Remove the ice from the chilled glass. Then, strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish: Add a brandied cherry or a lemon twist. A quality maraschino cherry such as a Luxardo Marasca Cherry is preferred by many.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Whiskey
Selecting the right whiskey is key to creating a perfect Manhattan. While rye whiskey is the traditional choice for a drier, spicier cocktail, bourbon makes a sweeter, smoother drink. Some popular choices for Manhattan cocktails include:
- Rye Whiskey: Rittenhouse, Old Forester Rye, and Sazerac Rye.
- Bourbon: Four Roses, Bulleit, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, and Old Grand-Dad.
- Canadian Whisky: For a smoother, softer flavor.
Sweet Vermouth
The sweet vermouth you choose will also have a significant impact on the drink. There are several excellent options available:
- Carpano Antica Formula: This is a top-shelf choice, known for its complex herbal notes and a profile that pairs well with whiskey.
- Cocchi Vermouth di Torino: Popular for its quality and balanced flavor.
- Dolin Vermouth Rouge: Another excellent option, well-regarded for its balanced flavor.
- Cinzano Rosso: A budget-friendly option that still offers a good balance of sweetness and bitterness.
- Punt e Mes: Known for its distinct herbal flavor and rich bitterness, which makes it suitable for those who prefer a less sweet Manhattan.
Bitters
Angostura bitters are the classic choice for a Manhattan. Some bartenders might also experiment with other bitters such as orange bitters or whiskey barrel aged bitters for a unique twist.
Stirring is Key
One of the most important rules when making a Manhattan is to stir the ingredients, not shake them. Shaking can cause the drink to become cloudy and over-diluted, and it can also alter the intended texture of the drink. Stirring, on the other hand, allows the ingredients to combine and chill gently, maintaining a smooth, clear finish. A minimum of 20 rotations with a bar spoon is usually enough to achieve the right temperature and dilution.
Variations of the Manhattan
While the classic Manhattan is a perfect drink in its own right, there are numerous variations to explore. These variations offer different flavor profiles and cater to different preferences:
- Dry Manhattan: This variation replaces sweet vermouth with dry vermouth, resulting in a drier, less sweet cocktail, often garnished with a lemon twist.
- Perfect Manhattan: Uses equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth, balancing the sweetness and dryness of the two.
- Reverse Manhattan: This variation swaps the ratio of whiskey to vermouth, using two parts sweet vermouth to one part whiskey.
- Black Manhattan: This swaps the sweet vermouth for an amaro liqueur, often Averna, creating a more bitter, herbal twist on the classic.
- Brandy Manhattan: This substitutes the whiskey for brandy.
- Tequila Manhattan: Swaps the whiskey for Añejo Tequila.
- Smoky Rob Roy: A variation that adds a smoky note.
The Enduring Appeal of the Manhattan
The Manhattan is more than just a cocktail; it’s a symbol of sophistication and history. Its simple yet elegant recipe, combined with its adaptability to personal preference, ensures its place in cocktail culture. Whether enjoyed at a high-end bar or made at home, the Manhattan continues to be a timeless choice for cocktail aficionados. The drink’s enduring appeal lies in its rich flavor profile, its flexibility, and its ability to be both classic and modern at the same time.
