Manhattan is a classic cocktail for lovers of rye whiskey drinks with an addition of sweetness and herbal flavours.
History of Manhattan Cocktail
One of the stories suggests that Manhattan cocktail was invented in late 1870s in the “Manhattan Club” (currently a luxury hotel in New York) by Dr. Iain Marshall for a cocktail event.
Another story suggests the similar timing (1880s), but mentions that the cocktail was invented in a small bar near Broadway.
Unfortunately, the exact origins of Manhattan cocktail can’t be fully established, but the two stories have one similarity: Manhattan cocktail was invented in New York.
The road to national popularity for the Manhattan cocktail began when in appeared in O.H. Byron’s book “The Modern Bartenders’ Guide.” in 1884 and has two recipes that are very similar two each other:
Manhattan Cocktail, No. 1
Byron, O. H. (1884). In The Modern Bartender’s Guide (pp. 21–21). chapter, Excelsior Publishing House.
Manhattan Cocktail, No. 2
Byron, O. H. (1884). In The Modern Bartender’s Guide (pp. 21–21). chapter, Excelsior Publishing House.
Manhattan
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 Brandied cherries (garnish)
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a cocktail mixing glass filled with ice
- Stir until well chilled (20-25 full turns)
- Strain into a chilled glass
- Garnish with brandied cherries (optional)
