The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, and is garnished with a cherry. While it may seem like a simple drink to make, there are a few things you need to know to make a perfect Manhattan.
First, you need to choose the right whiskey. The best whiskeys for a Manhattan are rye whiskeys, such as Rittenhouse or Bulleit Rye. These whiskeys have a spicy, peppery flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients in the cocktail. If you don't have rye whiskey, you can also use bourbon, but it will have a sweeter flavor.
Once you have chosen your whiskey, you need to gather the other ingredients. You will need sweet vermouth, bitters, and a cherry for garnish. Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that has a sweet, slightly bitter flavor. Bitters is a concentrated flavoring agent that is used to add depth and complexity to cocktails. You can use any type of bitters you like, but Angostura bitters are the most common.
How to Make a Manhattan
Follow these steps to make a classic Manhattan cocktail:
- Choose the right whiskey
- Gather the other ingredients
- Chill a coupe glass
- Add whiskey and vermouth to a mixing glass
- Add bitters and ice
- Stir for 30 seconds
- Strain into chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with a cherry
Enjoy your delicious Manhattan!
Choose the right whiskey
The type of whiskey you choose will have a big impact on the flavor of your Manhattan. The best whiskeys for a Manhattan are rye whiskeys, such as Rittenhouse or Bulleit Rye. These whiskeys have a spicy, peppery flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients in the cocktail. If you don't have rye whiskey, you can also use bourbon, but it will have a sweeter flavor.
- Rye whiskey:
The classic choice for a Manhattan. Rye whiskey has a spicy, peppery flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients in the cocktail.
- Bourbon whiskey:
A sweeter option than rye whiskey. Bourbon whiskey has a smooth, mellow flavor that is perfect for those who prefer a sweeter Manhattan.
- Blended whiskey:
A good option for those who are new to Manhattans. Blended whiskeys are made from a combination of different types of whiskey, which gives them a more complex flavor.
- Single malt whiskey:
A more expensive option, but one that can produce a truly exceptional Manhattan. Single malt whiskeys are made from 100% malted barley and have a rich, complex flavor.
Ultimately, the best whiskey for a Manhattan is the one that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different types of whiskey to find the one that you think makes the perfect Manhattan.
Gather the other ingredients
In addition to whiskey, you will need the following ingredients to make a Manhattan:
Sweet vermouth: Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that has a sweet, slightly bitter flavor. It is an essential ingredient in a Manhattan, and it helps to balance out the spiciness of the whiskey.
Bitters: Bitters are a concentrated flavoring agent that is used to add depth and complexity to cocktails. Angostura bitters are the most common type of bitters used in Manhattans, but you can also use other types of bitters, such as orange bitters or Peychaud's bitters.
Garnish: The traditional garnish for a Manhattan is a cherry, but you can also use other garnishes, such as an orange twist or a lemon twist.
Ice: You will need ice to chill the Manhattan and to dilute it slightly. You can use either cubed ice or crushed ice.
Cocktail shaker or mixing glass: You will need a cocktail shaker or mixing glass to combine the ingredients for the Manhattan.
Coupe glass: A coupe glass is the traditional glass for serving a Manhattan. However, you can also use other types of glasses, such as a martini glass or a rocks glass.
Once you have gathered all of the ingredients, you are ready to start making your Manhattan.
Chill a coupe glass
Chilling the coupe glass before serving the Manhattan is an important step that is often overlooked. A chilled glass will help to keep the Manhattan cold and refreshing, and it will also prevent the ice from melting too quickly.
There are a few different ways to chill a coupe glass. The easiest way is to place the glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. You can also chill the glass by filling it with ice and water and letting it sit for a few minutes. Once the glass is chilled, empty it and dry it thoroughly before serving the Manhattan.
If you are making multiple Manhattans, you can chill several coupe glasses at once by placing them in a large bowl filled with ice and water. This will save you time and ensure that all of your Manhattans are served in chilled glasses.
Chilling the coupe glass is a simple step that can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your Manhattan. By taking the time to chill the glass, you can ensure that your Manhattan is served at the perfect temperature and that it stays cold and refreshing until the last sip.
Now that you have chilled your coupe glass, you are ready to start making your Manhattan.
Add whiskey and vermouth to a mixing glass
Once you have chilled your coupe glass, it is time to start making the Manhattan. The first step is to add the whiskey and vermouth to a mixing glass.
The traditional ratio of whiskey to vermouth in a Manhattan is 2:1. However, you can adjust this ratio to suit your own taste. If you prefer a stronger Manhattan, you can use more whiskey. If you prefer a sweeter Manhattan, you can use more vermouth.
To measure the whiskey and vermouth, you can use a jigger or a shot glass. A jigger is a small measuring cup that is specifically designed for cocktails. If you don't have a jigger, you can use a shot glass instead. Just be sure to measure the ingredients accurately.
Once you have measured the whiskey and vermouth, add them to a mixing glass. A mixing glass is a tall, cylindrical glass that is used to stir cocktails. If you don't have a mixing glass, you can use a large glass or a pitcher instead.
Once you have added the whiskey and vermouth to the mixing glass, you are ready to add the bitters.
Add bitters and ice
Once you have added the whiskey and vermouth to the mixing glass, it is time to add the bitters and ice.
- Add bitters:
The traditional way to make a Manhattan is to add two dashes of Angostura bitters. However, you can adjust the amount of bitters to suit your own taste. If you prefer a more bitter Manhattan, you can add more bitters. If you prefer a less bitter Manhattan, you can add less bitters.
- Add ice:
Fill the mixing glass with ice. You can use either cubed ice or crushed ice. Cubed ice is easier to stir, but crushed ice will chill the Manhattan more quickly.
- Stir:
Stir the ingredients in the mixing glass for about 30 seconds. This will help to combine the ingredients and to chill the Manhattan.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass:
Once the Manhattan is chilled, strain it into a chilled coupe glass. Be sure to strain the Manhattan over a Hawthorne strainer or a fine-mesh sieve to remove any ice chips or pieces of fruit.
Your Manhattan is now ready to enjoy!
Stir for 30 seconds
Once you have added the bitters and ice to the mixing glass, it is important to stir the ingredients for about 30 seconds. This will help to:
- Combine the ingredients:
Stirring the ingredients will help to combine the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters into a cohesive cocktail.
- Chill the Manhattan:
The ice will help to chill the Manhattan as you stir it. This will result in a refreshing and flavorful cocktail.
- Dilute the Manhattan slightly:
As the ice melts, it will dilute the Manhattan slightly. This will help to balance out the flavors of the whiskey and vermouth and make the Manhattan more enjoyable to drink.
- Release the aromas of the ingredients:
Stirring the Manhattan will help to release the aromas of the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. This will make the Manhattan more flavorful and complex.
Stirring the Manhattan for 30 seconds may seem like a small step, but it is an important one that will help to ensure that your Manhattan is perfectly balanced and delicious.
Strain into chilled coupe glass
Once you have stirred the Manhattan for 30 seconds, it is time to strain it into a chilled coupe glass.
- Use a Hawthorne strainer or a fine-mesh sieve:
To strain the Manhattan, you will need to use a Hawthorne strainer or a fine-mesh sieve. A Hawthorne strainer is a small, spring-loaded strainer that fits over the top of a mixing glass. A fine-mesh sieve is a small, handheld strainer with a fine mesh that will catch any ice chips or pieces of fruit.
- Place the strainer over the coupe glass:
Place the Hawthorne strainer or the fine-mesh sieve over the coupe glass. Make sure that the strainer is large enough to catch all of the ice chips and pieces of fruit.
- Pour the Manhattan into the coupe glass:
Slowly pour the Manhattan from the mixing glass into the coupe glass. Be careful not to pour too quickly, or you will lose some of the ice chips and pieces of fruit.
- Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist:
Once you have strained the Manhattan into the coupe glass, you can garnish it with a cherry or a lemon twist. A cherry is the traditional garnish for a Manhattan, but you can use a lemon twist if you prefer.
Your Manhattan is now ready to enjoy!
Garnish with a cherry
The traditional garnish for a Manhattan is a cherry. Cherries add a touch of sweetness and color to the cocktail, and they also help to balance out the bitterness of the whiskey. To garnish a Manhattan with a cherry, simply place a maraschino cherry on top of the cocktail.
You can also use other garnishes for a Manhattan, such as a lemon twist or an orange twist. A lemon twist is a thin strip of lemon peel that is twisted around the rim of the glass. An orange twist is a thin strip of orange peel that is twisted around the rim of the glass. Both lemon twists and orange twists add a touch of citrus flavor to the cocktail.
If you are using a garnish other than a cherry, be sure to express the oils from the garnish before adding it to the cocktail. To express the oils from a lemon twist or an orange twist, simply twist the garnish between your fingers over the cocktail. This will release the essential oils from the garnish and add them to the cocktail.
Garnishing a Manhattan is a simple step, but it can make a big difference in the appearance and flavor of the cocktail. By taking the time to garnish your Manhattan, you can create a truly special and memorable drink.
Now that you know how to make a perfect Manhattan, it's time to enjoy this classic cocktail!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to make a Manhattan:
Question 1: What is the best type of whiskey for a Manhattan?
Answer: The best type of whiskey for a Manhattan is a rye whiskey. Rye whiskeys have a spicy, peppery flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients in the cocktail.
Question 2: Can I use bourbon instead of rye whiskey?
Answer: Yes, you can use bourbon instead of rye whiskey. Bourbon has a sweeter flavor than rye whiskey, so your Manhattan will be sweeter if you use bourbon.
Question 3: What is the ratio of whiskey to vermouth in a Manhattan?
Answer: The traditional ratio of whiskey to vermouth in a Manhattan is 2:1. However, you can adjust this ratio to suit your own taste.
Question 4: What type of vermouth should I use?
Answer: Sweet vermouth is the traditional type of vermouth used in a Manhattan. Sweet vermouth has a sweet, slightly bitter flavor that complements the whiskey and bitters.
Question 5: What type of bitters should I use?
Answer: Angostura bitters are the traditional type of bitters used in a Manhattan. Angostura bitters have a complex flavor that adds depth and complexity to the cocktail.
Question 6: How do I garnish a Manhattan?
Answer: The traditional garnish for a Manhattan is a cherry. You can also use a lemon twist or an orange twist.
Question 7: What are some tips for making a perfect Manhattan?
Answer: Here are a few tips for making a perfect Manhattan:
* Use high-quality ingredients.
* Use a chilled coupe glass.
* Stir the ingredients for at least 30 seconds.
* Strain the Manhattan into the coupe glass over a Hawthorne strainer or a fine-mesh sieve.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how to make a Manhattan. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!
Now that you know how to make a perfect Manhattan, here are a few tips for enjoying it:
Tips
Here are a few tips for making and enjoying a perfect Manhattan:
Tip 1: Use high-quality ingredients.
The quality of your ingredients will have a big impact on the flavor of your Manhattan. Use a good quality rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. You can also use a blend of whiskeys, such as rye and bourbon, to create a unique flavor.
Tip 2: Use a chilled coupe glass.
A chilled coupe glass will help to keep your Manhattan cold and refreshing. You can chill your coupe glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. You can also chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and water and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Tip 3: Stir the ingredients for at least 30 seconds.
Stirring the ingredients for at least 30 seconds will help to combine the flavors and chill the Manhattan. You can stir the ingredients in a mixing glass or a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Tip 4: Garnish your Manhattan with a cherry or a lemon twist.
A cherry or a lemon twist will add a touch of sweetness and flavor to your Manhattan. You can also use an orange twist or a cocktail onion.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can make a perfect Manhattan that you and your friends will enjoy.
Now that you know how to make and enjoy a perfect Manhattan, it's time to gather your ingredients and get started!
Conclusion
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, and is garnished with a cherry. While it may seem like a simple drink to make, there are a few things you need to know to make a perfect Manhattan.
First, you need to choose the right whiskey. The best whiskeys for a Manhattan are rye whiskeys, such as Rittenhouse or Bulleit. These whiskeys have a spicy, peppery flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients in the cocktail. If you don't have rye whiskey, you can also use bourbon, but it will have a sweeter flavor.
Once you have chosen your whiskey, you need to gather the other ingredients. You will need sweet vermouth, bitters, and a cherry for garnish. Sweet vermouth is a wine that has a sweet, slightly bitter flavor. Bitters are a concentrated flavoring agent that is used to add depth and complexity to cocktails. You can use any type of bitters you like, but Angostura bitters are the most common.
Once you have gathered all of the ingredients, you are ready to make your Manhattan. Simply combine the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice and stir for 30 seconds. Then, strain the Manhattan into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a cherry.
And that's it! You have now made a perfect Manhattan. Enjoy!
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced bartender, we hope that this article has helped you to learn how to make a perfect Manhattan. With a little practice, you will be able to impress your friends and family with this classic cocktail.