Manhattan.

The Manhattan is the pre-prohibition classic cocktail. It’s similar to an Old Fashioned but punchier, because rather than using sugar or simple syrup, the sweet element is actually sweet vermouth. 

The classic Manhattan first appeared in print in 1882, as it was included in Harry Johnson’s Bartender’s Manual. As with all cocktails, its origins are questionable, but a good story attached to the Manhattan is that it was created in 1874 for Lady Randolph Churchill (Winston’s mum) at the Manhattan club. Like all the classics, it has simple ingredients and a simple recipe – just rye whisky, sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters, with a Maraschino cherry for garnish.

Classic Manhattan.

Ingredients:

1x Double shot of Rye Whiskey

1x single (pony) shot of sweet vermouth

2x dash of Angostura bitters

1x Maraschino cherry 

Here we’ve included a riff on the Classic Manhattan. Add dry vermouth to create the Perfect Manhattan, which is garnished with a lemon slice. 

Perfect Manhattan.

Same ingredients as above plus:

1x shot (Pony) of dry vermouth

1x Lemon slice or twist to garnish

Recipe:

Ice into mixing jug

Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters (plus dry vermouth for Perfect version)

Stir until well chilled

Pour into chilled glass

Add Maraschino cherry (Lemon slice or twist for Perfect version)