Classic Manhattan Cocktail
Discover the Queen of Cocktails — a sophisticated blend of spicy rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters served with an orange twist.
Created at the Manhattan Club in New York in 1874, this timeless cocktail pairs the spicy fruitiness of rye whiskey with the herbal fragrance of sweet vermouth. Generations of bartenders have kept its recipe untouched, making it a true high-society classic.
Ingredients
- 60 ml rye whiskey
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 orange peel twist
- 1 large clear ice cube
Instructions
- 1Chill the Glassware
Take a large clear ice cube using tongs and gently place it into the empty cocktail glass sitting on the bar mat to properly chill the glassware before serving.
Tip: Using a large clear ice cube helps the drink stay cold longer without diluting it too quickly. - 2Prepare the Mixing Glass
Use tongs to add several standard ice cubes into a glass mixing pitcher in preparation for effectively chilling and diluting the cocktail ingredients.
Tip: Fill the mixing glass generously with ice to ensure proper chilling and dilution when stirring. - 3Measure Rye Whiskey
Pour rye whiskey from the bottle into a measuring jigger to ensure precise proportions for the spicy spirit base of the drink.
Tip: Rye whiskey provides the classic spicy kick that defines a traditional Manhattan. - 4Measure Sweet Vermouth
Pour sweet vermouth from its green bottle into the jigger to accurately balance the robust and spicy character of the rye whiskey.
Tip: Keep your sweet vermouth refrigerated after opening to preserve its rich herbal flavors. - 5Add Angostura Bitters
Dash Angostura bitters directly from the dropper bottle into the mixing glass containing ice and the measured spirits.
Tip: Bitters act as the seasoning for habitual cocktails, tying the whiskey and vermouth together. - 6Stir Smoothly
Insert a long bar spoon into the mixing glass and stir the ingredients and ice smoothly in a circular motion to properly chill and dilute the mixture without clouding it.
Tip: Stir rather than shake to keep the cocktail crystal clear and silky smooth in texture. - 7Strain and Serve
Place a cocktail strainer firmly over the rim of the mixing glass and carefully pour the chilled, mixed Manhattan cocktail into your waiting glass, ensuring no ice chips slip through.
Tip: Hold the strainer firmly against the rim of the mixing glass to prevent ice chips from slipping into the final drink.
