Manhattan Cocktail

A fully stocked bar wouldn’t be complete without the ingredients to whip up a Manhattan, a classic cocktail that’s one of the cornerstone whiskey mixed drinks. There are only three ingredients, but its simplicity is deceptive. There’s a magic that happens when this trio plays together. The range of flavors present run from caramel to dark fruit to cloves to vanilla.

As cocktails come, the Manhattan is pretty straightforward. It has three ingredients, each with its own flavor profile:

1. Spiritous: Some versions of the recipe for the Manhattan call for bourbon whiskey, some suggest Canadian. This version calls for rye, which was very likely used by the bartenders who made it first. The spiciness of the rye gives the drink a beautiful structure and finish.
2. Sweet: Sweet flavors come in the form of sweet vermouth, a fortified red wine.
3. Bitter: Aromatic bitters, in this case Angostura, bring some depth to the cocktail.

The sharp, full-bodied combination of aged American whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters was likely first minted sometime in the latter half of the 1800s, most likely at the Manhattan Club in New York. Its exact origins are unknown, but clearly the bartender who created the Manhattan was on to something, because this drink has truly stood the test of time.

• Chill the glass. Since this drink is served up (not on ice), you’ll want to have a cold glass that will keep the Manhattan colder longer.
• Mix the drink. Stir the rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice in a mixing glass until it’s really cold.
• Strain. Strain the drink into the chilled glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry or orange twist if you’d like.

This classic Manhattan is a drink you’ll want to linger over, to savor. There are other versions of Manhattans to explore if you love the classic. For a sweet treat, try the Ultimate Dessert Manhattan. For one without bitters, there’s My Mom’s Manhattan.