How To Choose The Best Vermouth For The Classic Manhattan Cocktail
Introduction
The Manhattan cocktail is an iconic vintage cocktail with countless creative variations. The drink’s intricate flavour profile comes from its simple yet distinct ingredients. The cocktail traditionally requires rye whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters for a balanced, nuanced taste. The sunset-hued drink has a relatively easy mixological process. Perfecting the drink only requires getting the ratio of ingredients right for its smooth and layered finish.
While the base spirit of the cocktail is whisky, vermouth plays a key role in defining the cocktail’s character as well. Vermouth is a fortified wine that has been flavoured with herbs, spices and botanicals. There are three main varieties: dry white vermouth, sweet white vermouth, and sweet red vermouth.
Vermouth And Its Basic Varieties
Dry white vermouths begin as white wine with a sharp, non-sweet taste profile. They usually contain flavours of fennel, nutmeg, herbs, citrus and light florals. This vermouth variety is mostly used in martini cocktails and certain Manhattan cocktail variations.
Sweet white vermouths also originate as white wines. However, they are a tad sweeter than their dry counterparts. These vermouths often offer notes of tart apple, stone fruit blossom, toasted butter, elderflower and thyme. Their hue and versatility make them a favourite ingredient of inventive bartenders who do creative spins on classic cocktails.
On the other hand, sweet red vermouths start their journey as red wine. These liqueurs have varying sweetness levels, depending on how they are prepared. Sweet red vermouths usually have rich aromas of cola, cinnamon, liquorice, and vanilla toffee. As a result, this variety of vermouth can be used to mix the perfect negroni cocktail and traditional manhattan cocktail.
Key Factors To Consider While Picking Sweet Vermouth For Manhattan Cocktails
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Whisky Pairing
The type of whisky used to make a Manhattan cocktail influences the choice of sweet vermouth. For example, rye whisky has a slightly spiced flavour profile, while bourbon whisky is sweeter and richer. In such cases, picking a vermouth with complementary flavours can be a good idea. Rye whisky works well with a vermouth with a bit of bitterness and herbal notes. On the other hand, bourbon whisky can be paired with a fruity vermouth that brightens up the combo. Both whiskies are suitable for the Manhattan cocktail, though rye whisky is more traditional.
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Level Of Sweetness
The level of sweetness in vermouths varies widely, depending on the type of grape, production method and region of origin. The vermouth should be sweet but not overwhelmingly in a classic Manhattan cocktail. It should complement the whisky and bitters. If you opt for a robust rye or bourbon whisky, pick rich, full-bodied, sweet red vermouth for the cocktail. For Manhattan cocktails using lighter whiskies, opt for fruitier vermouths.
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Freshly-Opened Bottles Are Ideal
Being a fortified wine, the shelf life of vermouth is limited once opened. It also starts oxidising. So, it is smart to store vermouth in the refrigerator to extend shelf life and maintain flavours. Ideally, vermouth should be consumed within 1 to 2 months of opening when refrigerated. For mixing and hosting the perfect Manhattan cocktail party, try using freshly-opened vermouth bottles for making batch cocktails.
Mixing Iconic Manhattan Cocktails
Classic Manhattan Cocktail
To make the classic Manhattan cocktail for 1, you need 18 ml rye whisky, 10 ml sweet vermouth, 2 ml aromatic bitters and 1 maraschino cherry for garnishing. To an ice-filled mixing glass, add whisky, vermouth and bitters. Stir until well combined and thoroughly chilled. Strain into a refrigerated coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry before serving chilled.
Perfect Manhattan Cocktail (A Vermouth Variation)
The Perfect Manhattan cocktail uses dry vermouth as well as sweet vermouth for a crisp, nuanced drink. To make this cocktail variation for 1, you need 13 ml rye whisky, 8 ml dry vermouth, 8 ml sweet vermouth, 1 ml aromatic bitters and a lemon peel twist for garnishing. To an ice-filled glass, add whisky, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth and bitters. Stir the ingredients properly till they are well-chilled and thoroughly combined. Strain the cold mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Express the lemon peel twist before garnishing the drink with it and serving.
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