Manhattan (cocktail)

Manhattan (cocktail)

A classic Manhattan cocktail

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that originated in the United States. It is a whiskey-based drink typically made with rye whiskey or bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. The Manhattan is known for its rich, smooth flavor and is often served in a cocktail glass with a cherry garnish.

History

The exact origins of the Manhattan cocktail are disputed, but it is believed to have been created in the late 19th century. One popular theory suggests that it was invented at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the 1870s. According to this story, the drink was created for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill. However, there is little concrete evidence to support this claim.

Another theory suggests that the cocktail was named after the borough of Manhattan in New York City, as it was popularized in the city's bars and lounges. Regardless of its origin, the Manhattan quickly gained popularity and became a staple in cocktail culture.

Ingredients

The traditional recipe for a Manhattan cocktail includes the following ingredients:

2 ounces (60 ml) rye whiskey or bourbon whiskey 1 ounce (30 ml) sweet vermouth 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters Maraschino cherry for garnish

Preparation

To make a Manhattan cocktail, follow these steps:

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice. Add the rye whiskey or bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the cocktail. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Variations

While the classic Manhattan recipe remains popular, there are several variations that incorporate different ingredients or techniques. Some common variations include:

Perfect Manhattan: Made with equal parts sweet vermouth and dry vermouth instead of solely sweet vermouth. Dry Manhattan: Made with dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth. Rob Roy: Similar to a Manhattan, but made with Scotch whisky instead of rye or bourbon whiskey. Black Manhattan: Made with Averna or other amaro instead of sweet vermouth.

Cultural References

The Manhattan cocktail has been referenced in various forms of popular culture, including literature, music, and film. It is often associated with sophistication and the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. The drink has appeared in movies such as The Great Gatsby and Manhattan.

Manhattan (cocktail)

A classic Manhattan cocktail

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that originated in the United States. It is a whiskey-based drink typically made with rye whiskey or bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. The Manhattan is known for its rich, smooth flavor and is often served in a cocktail glass with a cherry garnish.

History

The exact origins of the Manhattan cocktail are disputed, but it is believed to have been created in the late 19th century. One popular theory suggests that it was invented at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the 1870s. According to this story, the drink was created for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill. However, there is little concrete evidence to support this claim.

Another theory suggests that the cocktail was named after the borough of Manhattan in New York City, as it was popularized in the city's bars and lounges. Regardless of its origin, the Manhattan quickly gained popularity and became a staple in cocktail culture.

Ingredients

The traditional recipe for a Manhattan cocktail includes the following ingredients:

2 ounces (60 ml) rye whiskey or bourbon whiskey 1 ounce (30 ml) sweet vermouth 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters Maraschino cherry for garnish

Preparation

To make a Manhattan cocktail, follow these steps:

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice. Add the rye whiskey or bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the cocktail. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Variations

While the classic Manhattan recipe remains popular, there are several variations that incorporate different ingredients or techniques. Some common variations include:

Perfect Manhattan: Made with equal parts sweet vermouth and dry vermouth instead of solely sweet vermouth. Dry Manhattan: Made with dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth. Rob Roy: Similar to a Manhattan, but made with Scotch whisky instead of rye or bourbon whiskey. Black Manhattan: Made with Averna or other amaro instead of sweet vermouth.

Cultural References

The Manhattan cocktail has been referenced in various forms of popular culture, including literature, music, and film. It is often associated with sophistication and the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. The drink has appeared in movies such as The Great Gatsby and Manhattan.

External Links

Manhattan (cocktail) on Wikipedia

See Also

Cocktail Old Fashioned (cocktail) Martini (cocktail)