Let's Start at the Very Beginning

The Manhattan

A classic that stands the test of time

For me, this is the cocktail that started it all. I don't know when it exactly started. It could have been when my husband and I toasted his late grandmother by drinking one of her favorite cocktails. Or perhaps it was when I went out with co-workers at my first "real" job and ordered what they were having.  Regardless of when it was, the Manhattan started my love for cocktails and appreciation for quality spirits.  If I was Alice this was my white rabbit that I followed down the cocktail rabbit hole.

It's a very good place to start

The Manhattan and other similar styled cocktails begin with a strong base liquor, in the case of the Manhattan either rye or bourbon, and sweeten it with a fortified wine (almost always vermouth) and round it out with bitters. How easy is that?  Because of its simplicity the quality of the ingredients have no where to hide.  The most common measurements are 2 oz rye (or bourbon) 1 oz sweet vermouth and 2 dashes bitters.  Other than an equal parts cocktail, like the Negroni, it is quite easy to remember and a great classic to make for a party.

Play around

When I first started drinking these it was with bourbon - as I've gotten older I like them spicier and now go with rye.  Because it only has three ingredients I wasn't as intimidated to play around with the recipe. With this recipe, it seemed easier to change just one variable and then do a taste test to see what I preferred. I like a more complex, stronger vermouth, but the bourbon didn't stand up well to that - another reason the preference for rye. Did I like Dolin Rouge over Carpano Antica? Or half and half with Punt e Mes? Use an amaro in the place of the vermouth and now you have a Black Manhattan.  Finding out what I liked and starting to make my own version of classic cocktails (and then later making my own bitters) didn't feel so complicated anymore.  Here is the basic Manhattan recipe but I dare you to go and make it your own.

The best hostess gift I ever received!

The Manhattan

2 oz. rye whiskey (or bourbon)
1 oz. sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters

Combine rye, vermouth and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry (or three) or an orange twist.


A side note - the cocktail book from Death & Co has helped me make a balanced cocktail and to step out of my comfort zone.  I've done my own Goldilocks experiments many of times. Also, the 12 Bottle Bar book opened my eyes to ABV and how it's important to consider the strength of your ingredients when making a cocktail.

 - Nicola