Cocktail Series: Manhattan

There is one cocktail that is instantly recognizable by name whether you know the exact ingredients or not. A concoction made with whiskey that will keep you warm on a chilly fall evening or a freezing winter’s night. Its name is the same as one of the most well-known and busiest cities in the world…Have you guessed it by now? That’s right. We’re talking about the Manhattan. Legend surrounds the invention of this classic cocktail. The most popular tale (and one thought to now be false) is that involving the Manhattan Club in the 1870s. Story goes that the cocktail was created at a party thrown by Lady Randolph Churchill, mother to Winston Churchill. This story would match the origin of the cocktail's name; however, there are various accounts that Lady Churchill was actually in Europe during this time and not hosting a party in New York City. Another version of the story comes from William F. Mulhall who claims that the drink was invented by a man named Black who was creating this iconic cocktail in the 1860s. Wherever the drink did come into existence, it is safe to say that no matter who invented it, it did come alive in the Big Apple. Since its creation, there have been many variations on the recipe itself. Rye whiskey is the classic staple; however, bourbon can be found in many Manhattans today. Whether you choose whiskey or bourbon, you’ll definitely need some Vermouth and bitters to complete your Manhattan. Happy drinking!

Michter's

Small Batch Sour Mash Whiskey 1753

David Kline

9.3

Applewood, poached pear, maple syrup and pecans with black lime, ginger lemon-honey, orange bitters, rosemary, baked sweet potatoes oozing créme fraîche, brown sugar and caramel. It’s a noseful! Hot, herbaceous mouthful on the coat. Warm maduro-caramel turns noir in the slanted chiaroscuros of toffee and brittle, respectively. Big lemon citrus with orange zest, banana bread, sage, allspice, mace, cedar, pipe tobacco puff, black raisin, with a svelte acid streak running the length of a generous satin mouthfeel. Impossible value here. Complex notes from the mash make this sparkle with edgy notes of bottled lightning. #Michters #Michterssmallbatch #Michterssmallbatchsourmash #Michterssourmash #whiskey #Anericanwhiskey #KYwhiskey #ky #fermentedmash #upcycledmash #mash #louisvilleky #Michtersdistillery — 4 years ago

with Courtney

David, Mike and 1 other liked this

Tuthilltown Spirits

Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey 2018

Michael Wilhelm

9.2

Smooth, perfect for making rye Manhattans. One of my favorite small batch whiskeys. It is produced at National Historic site in the Hudson Valley. — 5 years ago

leon liked this

Maison Dolin & Cie

Dry Vermouth de Chambéry

Andrew Schirmer

8.9

Off-dry, great aperitif. A favorite with a dash of angostura & citrus peel. — 5 years ago

with Alsu

Byron, Keith and 9 others liked this

Byron Hewett

I just bought a bottle of this. Thanks for the note.

Andrew Schirmer

@Byron Hewett our go-to apéro year-round, quite lovely

Vena's Fizz House

Maine Pine Bitters

S.S. Mandani

9.4

Picked these up from Vena’s Fizzhouse in Portland, Maine. It was one of the ingredients in a cocktail I got called the Lumber Sexual.

I fell in love and had to get the bitters to try and recreate it at home.

Perfectly herbaceous and harmonious with a flowery, naturally sweet quality. Resinous. Love it with just club soda and a whiskey rock as pictured. — 4 years ago

Neil, Eric and 4 others liked this

S.S. Mandani

@Ron R one of those memorable moments

S.S. Mandani

@Josh Morgenthau So, so very good. Great prequel to the Zirbenz ha

S.S. Mandani

@romo Woah, exactly right. Guessing you’ve been to Vena’s?

Catoctin Creek

Roundstone Rye Whisky

Andrew Mueller

9.2

This made right down the road from my house, and it is an awesome. Excellent, smooth taste. Makes a great Manhattan. When in Virginia... — 5 years ago

Giulio Cocchi

Vermouth di Torino

Reed H Whitman

9.4

Now my go to vermouth really adds a great flavor to a Manhattan. — 6 years ago

Quady Winery

Vya Sweet Vermouth Red Blend

Rhonely Boy

9.2

Makes a tasty Spritzer.
Ice, Vya Sweet Vermouth (16% ABV), Cherry Hibiscus iced tea, seltzer. Manhattan-Like. — 4 years ago

Josh, Ericsson and 2 others liked this

Napa Valley Distillery

Private Cask Limited Release Aged 13 Years Bourbon Mash Whiskey

Amanda Thomas

9.5

Had no idea bourbon could be produced in Napa, and this one was damn good! Great present from my aunt and uncle. — 4 years ago

with Tim

Paul and jesus liked this

High West Distillery

Campfire Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Norman Gennaro

9.4

If you don’t like smoke then don’t go here. I love this in a Manhattan but just keeping it clean tonight. I love this and thought man I wonder if this has some type of smoke additive. They claim not and it’s purely from the Scotch/Bourbon/Rye blend (undisclosed brand on the Scotch). — 5 years ago

Shay, Gunja and 6 others liked this

Norman Gennaro

Not yet - heard it’s great. Agree?

Shay A

@Norman Gennaro : Yes, great stuff. If you come across a bottle, give it a try. The aging in port barrels give it killer aromatics.

Gunja Gargeshwari

@Norman Gennaro - you might be ready for some Lagavulin if you are starting to like smoke and peat!