A Manhattan Cocktail Recipe You Will Want To Recreate At Home This Weekend
With an inception in the 1880’s – the Manhattan cocktail was first conceptualised in New York City. Embodying a classic, aromatic, spirit-forward drink, it has been one of the recipes that continues to enjoy consistency in popularity as well as taste. Containing three primary ingredients, the ruby hued drink is constructed using a 2:1 ratio as standard mixology practice. The base spirit, bitter element and sweetener formula also borrows from its counterparts such as the negroni or old fashioned while accentuating oak ageing in whisky. Although traditional recipes opt for rye whisky as their foundation, some variations also employ parallel spirits as per preference.
Manhattan Cocktail Recipe For Two
Ingredients
- 60 ml rye whisky
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes citrus bitters
- Brandied cherry, for garnish
Method
- Combine the spirit, sweet vermouth and bitters in an ice-filled mixing glass and stir until chilled.
- Strain into a Nick & Nora glass, garnish with a brandied cherry or two and serve.
Key Tips To Craft The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
- To make a dry version of the Manhattan cocktail, swap sweet vermouth for dry vermouth or use equal parts of both vermouth varieties to create a ‘perfect’ Manhattan.
- Use a high quality scotch whisky like Black Dog to create a Rob Roy cocktail – making a simple but effective swap to extend your cocktail menu.
- Swap brandied cherries for Luxardo cherries which are slightly expensive than usual but provide a rich, deep sweetness that contrasts in flavour.
- The silken mouthfeel of the cocktail is what provides its distinct texture – something that can only be achieved when the ingredients are stirred for 30-45 seconds, not shaken.
- For creative twists, swap the citrus bitters for chocolate or cherry bitters and swap the foundational spirit with bourbon for a rounded flavour in each sip.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
