Making a Manhattan should be pretty simple, right? Not just 3 ingredients, but 5, and viola – a great cocktail! Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. A Manhattan is a subtle drink; each ingredient adds on the next to create a layered complexity to the cocktail.
To add even more variables, you have People. Each consumer is going to have differing tastes and opinions. The more you know about the cocktail and the consumer, the better decisions you can make as a host. Here are 5 key elements to consider when making your best Manhattan:
1) Liquor
A Manhattan can be made with whiskey or bourbon.
What? Yes, you have a choice in your first ingredient. Rye whiskeys and bourbons are traditionally used and will give your Manhattan the bite and spice it needs to withstand the sweetness of a vermouth if you don’t want a truly sweet drink. Higher proof liquors will likely overpower the subtle notes of the vermouth and bitters but it is up to the individual.
2) Vermouth
Sweet or dry? If using a rye whiskey, a sweet vermouth is the perfect second layer in a Manhattan.
Purists may tell you it’s not a Manhattan without using sweet vermouth, but who likes drinking with a Purist anyway? And experiment with vermouths other than Martini & Rossi. There are some excellent vermouths on the market you can explore – one of our favorites is Cocchi.
3) Bitters
Bitters are a botanically infused alcoholic mixture made of water, ethanol, gentian, herbs and spices. Angostura bitters are a staple in any Manhattan, but don’t shy from trying other bitter flavors. For instance, try 1 dash of Angostura butters and 1 dash of orange-flavored bitters to add a note if citrus to your cocktail.
4) Method
Once the ingredients are assembled in a mixing glass, it is important to know how to combine them. It
may seem simple, but there is a subtly to it. First of all, DO NOT SHAKE your Manhattan. It may seem like fun, like you’re a real bartender in the movie Cocktail, but that will just water down and ruin your drink.
Once your ingredients are in a (preferable chilled) mixing glass, add some ice cubes and gently stir. The idea is to mix your ingredients just enough so that they are cold and combined. Mix by hand only for 10 seconds in each direction. Then strain into a chilled cocktail glass or a highball glass with ice.
5) Accoutrements
This last finishing touch is what will make your Manhattan stand out from the rest. Depending on your ingredients there are two customary garnishes for your cocktail.
a. A brandied cherry. Please, for heaven’s sake, don’t confuse this with a canned maraschino cherry (as shown in the picture) – that will just add sugar to your drink. A brandied cherry’s rich spiciness should complement the sweet vermouth used in step 2 and add a depth of flavor as well as a beautiful color to the drink. (As a matter of fact, some variations on the Manhattan recipe call for brandied cherry juice to be used in lieu of sweet vermouth). Here is a great recipe for making brandied cherries – and they make great gifts!
b. Some also use a slice of lemon or orange peel to accompany a Manhattan. Simply peel off a section of citrus peel and twist onto the top of the drink so the citrusy oils float over the top. Then lay the twisted peel over the side of the glass as garnish. This adds a nice bite to the drink that is quite enjoyable.
And there you have it! 5 ingredients what work together to give you a complex and delicious cocktail. The spice of the liquor, the sweetness of the vermouth, the floral notes of the bitters, the citrus/smoky flavors of the garnish all gently combined and chilled to make an excellent Manhattan.
Below is a recipe for a basic Manhattan – feel free to play and experiment and make your own!
Ingredients
2 ounces whiskey
1 ounce vermouth
1-2 dashes bitters
Garnish (brandied cherry, orange or lemon twist)