Manhattan

Instructions

1. Prepare your Coupe glass by chilling it, either by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.

2. Fill the base of your shaker (or a mixing glass) generously with fresh ice cubes.

3. Pour the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters over the ice.

4. Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture continuously and smoothly for about 25-30 seconds. The goal is to chill the drink thoroughly without over-diluting it or introducing air bubbles.

5. If you used ice to chill your glass, discard it now.

6. Place the strainer over the shaker base and carefully pour the chilled liquid into the prepared Coupe glass.

7. Garnish the cocktail with a quality maraschino cherry dropped gently into the glass.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy the sophisticated flavors.

Trivia

• What defines a classic Manhattan cocktail?

  A classic Manhattan is a sophisticated cocktail primarily composed of whiskey (traditionally rye, though bourbon is also very popular), sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. It is characteristically stirred with ice, not shaken, to maintain clarity and a smooth texture, then strained into a chilled cocktail glass (like a coupe or martini glass) and garnished typically with a maraschino cherry.

• Which whiskey is better for a Manhattan: Rye or Bourbon?

  The choice between rye and bourbon largely depends on personal taste. Rye whiskey offers a spicier, slightly drier flavor profile, which many consider the authentic Manhattan taste. Bourbon provides a sweeter, smoother character with notes of vanilla and caramel due to its corn base. Both make excellent Manhattans; try both to discover your preference.

• Why is a Manhattan stirred instead of shaken?

  Manhattans are stirred to achieve the perfect chill and dilution while maintaining the cocktail's clarity and silky mouthfeel. Shaking incorporates air, creating tiny bubbles that can result in a cloudy appearance and a slightly frothy texture, which is generally not desired for spirit-forward cocktails consisting only of spirits, vermouth, and bitters.

• What is the difference between a Manhattan and a Perfect Manhattan?

  A classic Manhattan uses only sweet vermouth. A 'Perfect Manhattan' modifies this by splitting the vermouth portion equally between sweet vermouth and dry vermouth (usually French style). This results in a cocktail that is less sweet and slightly drier, offering a different balance of herbal notes compared to the classic recipe.

• Can I use a different type of bitters in a Manhattan?

  Absolutely! While Angostura bitters are the classic choice, providing essential aromatic spice notes, experimenting with other bitters can create interesting variations. Orange bitters are a popular alternative, adding citrus complexity that complements the whiskey. Other aromatic or spiced bitters can also be used to tailor the drink to your liking.

• What is the ideal way to garnish a Manhattan?

  The most traditional garnish for a Manhattan is a high-quality maraschino cherry (like Luxardo), dropped into the glass. An alternative, also quite common, is a twist of lemon or orange peel; expressing the oils over the drink's surface before dropping it in adds a bright citrus aroma that contrasts nicely with the rich base.