Recipe for manhattan
The Manhattan is one of the most iconic classic cocktails with a long history. Its precise origin is, however, disputed and not clearly documented. But there are several theories regarding its origin.
A popular story claims that the cocktail was invented in 1874 at the Manhattan Club in New York City in connection with a party for the American politician Samuel J. Tilden.
Another popular theory asserts that the cocktail was invented by a bartender on Broadway in the 1860s. He made it for Jennie Jerome, who was American-born and the mother of the future British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Since Broadway is located on Manhattan, that is said to be the source of the name. And there are certainly more stories!
The classic recipe for a Manhattan consists of bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Sweet vermouth gives the cocktail its characteristic sweetness, and Angostura bitters add a slight bitterness and depth. There are also variations like the “Perfect Manhattan,” which uses both sweet and dry vermouth.
The Manhattan is typically served in a chilled martini glass without ice and garnished with a maraschino or cocktail cherry.
The Manhattan has a well-balanced flavor profile with a mix of sweetness, spice, and bitterness. The sweet vermouth provides a deep, slightly spiced sweetness, while the robust character of the whiskey and the Angostura bitters add complexity and a slight bitterness.
Enjoy it as an aperitif before a meal or as an elegant drink in good company. It has a sophisticated and classic aura, making it suitable for elegant gatherings as well as a simple garden party!
Manhattan
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail strainer
- 1 Cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 6 cl Bourbon Jim Beam black label or Makers Mark
- 3 cl Vermouth sweet
- 2 splash Angostura Bitters
- 1 pcs. cherry maraschino cherry - for garnish
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Add ice and water to a martini glass - to chill it!
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add 5 cl bourbon and 2.5 cl sweet vermouth to the mixing glass.
- Add a few drops of angostura bitters.
- Stir well for about 30 seconds to mix the ingredients and chill them.
- Empty the martini glass of ice and water.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry in the glass.