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Classic Drink Recipe: Manhattan Cocktail

Manhattan Drink Recipe

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Classic Beverage Composition: A Detailed Look at the Manhattan Cocktail
Classic Beverage Composition: A Detailed Look at the Manhattan Cocktail

The Manhattan Cocktail: A Classic Whiskey Mix

Classic Drink Recipe: Manhattan Cocktail

Get ready to shake up a timeless concoction! The Manhattan, a harmonious blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, dates back to the late 1800s. This cherished drink is believed to have originated at New York's Manhattan Club, with the city's affinity for rye whiskey giving birth to the original recipe 15.

Blending the Basics

Whether you're a purist or a bourbon fan, this classic recipe will satisfy. To create your Manhattan, you'll need 2 ounces of rye whiskey or bourbon, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, ice, and a cherry marinated in marasca syrup for garnish 4.

The Fundamental Process

Before starting, chill a cocktail glass in the freezer. In a mixing glass, measure the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Fill with ice and stir until chilled, around 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass, drop in the cherries, and serve 4.

Rye vs. Bourbon

While the original Manhattan utilized rye whiskey, many mixologists embrace bourbon for its smooth, subtly sweet flavor profile. The choice between these two depends on your whiskey taste preference 1.

The Manhattan's Evolution

Over time, the Manhattan has undergone various transformations, resulting in an array of refreshing variations:

  1. Dry Manhattan: Substitute sweet vermouth with dry vermouth for a less sweet, more bitter flavor.
  2. Perfect Manhattan: Strive for balance by using equal parts of both sweet and dry vermouth.
  3. Brooklyn: Try the version that includes dry vermouth and Amer Picon, offering a more intricate flavor.
  4. Red Hook: A contemporary adaptation featuring Punt e Mes and maraschino liqueur for a robust yet slightly sweet drink 4.

A Cocktail Worth Celebrating

Gaining prominence in the early 20th century, the Manhattan remains a bar staple worldwide. Its enduring charm can be attributed to its easy-to-follow recipe and adaptability to different whiskey preferences 1. Enjoy the Manhattan in a chic martini glass, adding an extra dash of sophistication 3.

So, pour yourself a Manhatten and raise a glass to its rich history and enduring appeal!

Yield: 1 drinkDifficulty: EasyTotal: Under 5 minsActive: Under 5 mins

Ingredients (5)

  • 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon
  • 1 ounce sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • 1 cherry in marasca syrup

Instructions

  1. Place a cocktail glass in the freezer to chill.
  2. Measure the whiskey and vermouth into a mixing glass. Add the bitters.
  3. Add ice and stir until chilled, about 30 seconds.
  4. Strain into the chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Drop the cherry into the glass and serve.
  6. Legendary bartender Dale DeGroff, often referred to as the 'King Cocktail', popularized the Manhattan cocktail with his own unique proportions of 568b1cae7cd41bd6d3c4af7c29a80307, shaking up a new interpretation of this classic drink 2.
  7. To add a twist to your Manhattan, consider experimenting with the custom proportions developed by celebrated mixologist Jim Meehan, known as the '5-to-1-to-1', where 5 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of both sweet and dry vermouth, and 1 ounce of bitters result in a robust yet balanced drink 2.
  8. As you explore the world of Manhattans, you may even stumble upon a personal favorite recipe, tailored to your taste preferences and enriching your cocktail repertoire 2.

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