Manhattan - Cocktail
Ah, the age old question - if you could only choose one drink to have for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Nope. There’s no way I’m answering that - it’s too hard to pick just one!
However, when it comes to my go-to order over the bar? Ah-ha! For that, I always have a quick answer - a Manhattan cocktail.
Why? Because it’s so goddamn tasty! If you think of the Martini as the king of the cocktail world, then a Manhattan is definitely the queen!
What is a Manhattan?
It's a simple three ingredient cocktail combining: American whiskey, vermouth and bitters.
It can be stirred over ice or served up in a cocktail glass. Optionally garnish with a cocktail cherry, a twist of orange peel, or both (yes!)
MANHATTAN WITH A TWIST!
How did the Manhattan come to be?
I’ve heard many stories and myths about this cocktail - named after one of the most famous downtown districts in the world - Manhattan.
Some say it began with the city’s early transformation, when whisky distillers decided to start promoting their rye spirit product to the general city area. Another popular myth was that Lady Randolph Churchill, mother of Winston Churchill, had hosted a celebratory election party in the Manhatten Club back in the 1870s. However, much of the evidence has me convinced this is more likely fiction than fact.
Considering the amount of alcohol Winston Churchill drank in his career – it would have been a fantastic fiction and compliment for his family to be the inventors of the Manhattan cocktail - and perhaps they were, however to this day the origin of the famous drink still remains unknown.
Drink Breakdown
So while I did say this was a simple drink with three ingredients earlier - actually that’s only half true. The Manhattan is probably one of the best examples of an ‘easy-to-make yet hard-to-perfect’ cocktail. Why? Let's break it down…
First, the whiskey. Technically, you can use all kinds of American whiskey (yep even Canadian!) making room for many slight taste variations.
Second, the vermouth. This part is super important, as it represents the flavour, the style and the character of the drink. It’s undoubtedly like the Tommy moment in the movie Good Fellas (“Funny? Funny how?!”) - It's crazy how a slight alteration of one ingredient can instantly change the whole balance of the drink.
And lastly, the bitters. Traditionally, using a couple of dashes of angostura bitters can give a dry, textural mouthfeel, yet some peoples dash may be more generous than others.
Manhattan
_____
Manhattan _____
Some say, the more expensive the vermouth, the better the Manhattan - but I have to disagree! The key to perfecting a good Manhattan is all about balance and ratio.
So what is the perfect ratio?
Sometimes, using better or more expensive ingredients doesn't always give us better cocktails. Just as, wearing all of a designer's clothes together, doesn't turn you into a fashion model.
To start, you’ll need whiskey - a good amount of it - let's say two thirds? For the other third of the drink you’ll need Italian vermouth (the wild card) and finally finish with a couple of dashes of bitters (think of bitters like the ‘salt and pepper’ on our dish).
So… two parts whisky, to one part vermouth and three dashes of bitters? Looks like we got it!
But remember, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all golden balance or perfect formula, so keep experimenting and see what combination makes your favourite ratio.
What is my favourite Manhattan?
I don't believe that a "best Manhattan" exists. Some might enjoy a more whiskey-driven, pungent style. While others might want a more vermouth-forward, aromatic style Manhattan. Whatever you prefer is the best Manhattan!
One of the most memorable Manhattans I tried was simple a 2:1, bourbon whiskey to Australian sweet vermouth with a few heavy dashes of Angostura and cherry bitters.
Just a quick stir and served up at a little neighbourhood bar… Mind blown! No fancy tools, just casual bar chat and good attention to detail.
So you see? It really is the ultimate ‘easy-to-make but hard-to-perfect’ cocktail.
SHARP, RICH, COMPLEX.
Chu's Favourite Recipe:
45ml of Michter's Straight Rye Whiskey
30ml of Punt E Mus vermouth
3 dashes of Angostura bitters
1 dash of grapefruit bitters
Give a gentle stir until the liquid gets cold, then pour over the cocktail glass without ice.
Finish by expressing the oil from an Orange Peel and discard.
Delicious.
Summary
So I guess, to answer my first question - if I had to pick only one drink to have for the rest of my life?
Duh, water! - but a Manhattan would be a close second.
So what are you waiting for! Head to your local or nearest bottle shop, grab these three ingredients and get your ice ready in the freezer.
Find a big glass and using your favourite ratio, pour all ingredients in. Stir with ice, and there you have it! Your good Manhattan is ready to serve!
It’s definitely another long read, as you might aware, i had such a passion and love in a good Manhattan. I sincerely appreciate your patience for reading upon here. Until then, i hope we can all Drink with Chu again soon!!
#drinkwithchu
