Your Guide to Manhattan Cocktails
History & Origins
The Manhattan is a cocktail that embodies timeless elegance, tracing its origins back to the late 19th century. While its exact birthplace remains uncertain, a prevalent legend suggests it was created at the Manhattan Club in New York City during the 1870s for a grand event hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill. However, this narrative should be approached with a degree of skepticism.
Regardless of its origins, the Manhattan quickly established itself as a cornerstone of cocktail culture, appreciated by enthusiasts everywhere.
The Anatomy of a Classic Manhattan
The quality of the ingredients used in a Manhattan can make a significant difference in the final product. Using high-quality whiskey, fresh vermouth, and good bitters will elevate your cocktail to new heights. What distinguishes the Manhattan is its remarkable balance, allowing for personalization through the selection of whiskey or adjustments to the ingredient proportions. Served in an elegant cocktail glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry or a twist of citrus, it exudes sophistication.
Key Ingredients
Whiskey: The backbone of the Manhattan, traditionally rye whiskey, known for its spicy and bold character. However, bourbon, with its sweeter and smoother profile, has also become a popular choice. Pro tip: Higher proof rye and bourbon’s like New Dawn can offer a drier, less sweet classic Manhattan.
Sweet Vermouth: This fortified wine adds a touch of sweetness and herbal complexity to the cocktail. The quality of vermouth is crucial, as it can significantly impact the overall flavor. Pro tip: Buy the smallest bottle you can and replace frequently. Vermouth does go bad and it can add unpleasant flavors to your cocktails.
Bitters: These concentrated flavoring agents provide depth and balance to the drink. Angostura bitters are the most common choice, but other varieties like orange, chocolate, spiced, or Peychaud's bitters can be used for variation.
Garnish: Traditionally, a cherry is used to garnish a Manhattan. However, a lemon twist or an orange peel can also be used to add a citrusy aroma.
Interlude - Classic Variations
Variations of the classic Manhattan made with sweet vermouth are numerous. Most often these takes change up the proportion of vermouth used or the bitters. Two of the most popular of these variations are the Perfect and the Dry Manhattan which have become classics in their own right.
Perfect Manhattan: The Perfect Manhattan achieves a harmonious balance between sweet and dry vermouths. By using equal parts of both, this cocktail creates a nuanced flavor experience that is both complex and approachable. The sweetness of the sweet vermouth complements the spiciness of the rye whiskey, while the dry vermouth adds a subtle bitterness that balances the overall sweetness.
Dry Manhattan: For those who prefer a less sweet cocktail, the Dry Manhattan is an excellent choice. By using dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth, this variation emphasizes the spiciness of the rye whiskey and the bitterness of the angostura bitters. The result is a drier, more sophisticated cocktail that is perfect for sipping before dinner or enjoying on its own.
The Rye vs. Bourbon Debate
The choice between rye and bourbon for a Manhattan is a matter of taste. Rye offers a spicier and more assertive flavor, while bourbon provides a sweeter and smoother profile. Experimenting with both is the best way to discover your preference.
Rye whiskey: with its characteristic spice and bold, assertive notes, creates a Manhattan that is both invigorating and complex. The spiciness of the rye can add a layer of depth and intrigue to the cocktail, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a more pronounced and adventurous flavor experience.
Bourbon whiskey: on the other hand, imparts a sweeter and smoother character to the Manhattan. The inherent sweetness of bourbon can create a more mellow and approachable cocktail, often preferred by those who favor a gentler and more balanced flavor profile.
Ultimately, the best way to determine your preference between rye and bourbon in a Manhattan is through experimentation. Try crafting the cocktail with both types of whiskey and see which one resonates more with your palate. You may find that you prefer the boldness of rye, the sweetness of bourbon, or perhaps even a combination of the two. There's no right or wrong answer – it's all about discovering what you enjoy most.
Beyond the Classic
Over the years, innovative mixologists have introduced various interpretations of this classic drink. Rye, bourbon, unique bitters, substituting vermouth for other aperitifs and inventive sweeteners have all been incorporated, enhancing the Manhattan's appeal and demonstrating its versatility.
Interlude - The Black Manhattan
At New Dawn we’re especially smitten with the Black Manhattan. This variation offers a deeper, richer flavor profile compared to the classic Manhattan. The addition of Averna, an Italian bitter liqueur with notes of caramel, citrus, and spice, adds complexity and depth, making the Black Manhattan a favorite among those who prefer bolder flavors. In our humble opinion Black Manhattans made with New Dawn’s cask strength bourbon makes an exceptionally smooth cocktail that blows all other Manhattans away.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
For the month of February we’re celebrating the Manhattan variations that are somewhat off the beaten path. Introducing you to some long forgotten variations with a New Dawn twists and playing with some modern variations. We hope you’ll join us on this exploration of this quintessential symbol of cocktail elegance.
