A Bit of History
The Manhattan cocktail has a rich history and is considered one of the oldest classic cocktails. Its origins are surrounded by legends, but most historians agree that the drink first appeared in the 1870s in New York City.
Main Origin Story:
The cocktail is believed to have been created at the Manhattan Club in New York in 1874. According to legend, it was prepared for a banquet organized by Jennie Jerome (mother of Winston Churchill) in honor of presidential candidate Samuel Tilden. The drink quickly gained popularity and became associated with the club and later with the Manhattan district.
Interesting Facts:
- The classic Manhattan originally used rye whiskey, as it was the most widely available spirit in the U.S. during the 19th century. During Prohibition, it was often replaced by Canadian whiskey.
- The Manhattan was one of the first cocktails to use bitters and vermouth, which was a novelty at the time.
- It is part of the “Unshakeable Six” cocktails, as detailed in David Embury’s The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks (1948).
Today, the Manhattan is a symbol of elegance and sophistication, maintaining its popularity for over 150 years.
Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- Rye whiskey — 60 ml (2 oz)
- Sweet red vermouth — 30 ml (1 oz)
- Angostura bitters — 2–3 dashes
- Cocktail cherry — for garnish
- Ice
Instructions:
- Add ice to a mixing glass.
- Pour in rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Stir the ingredients with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds to chill the drink.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass (such as a martini glass).
- Garnish with a cocktail cherry, gently placing it into the glass.
Tips:
- If rye whiskey isn’t available, you can substitute with bourbon, though the flavor will be slightly softer.
- For a drier version, use less vermouth or add more whiskey.
Cheers! 🍸
