Manhattan
The cocktail that’s as sophisticated as a black-tie affair but as fun as a dive bar karaoke night, as classy as a tuxedo but as fun as crashing a wedding.
And there you have it, the Manhattan! A sip will take you to a smoky jazz club in the heart of Manhattan, of course without any cover charges!!
Ingredients
2 oz Rye Whiskey
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Suggested Garnish: Cherry
Suggested Glass: Cocktail Glass/ Martini Glass
Stir all ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a cherry
Revelations:
The history and origin of the Bloody Mary are as colorful as the cocktail itself. While the exact details are debated, one popular theory credits Fernand Petiot, a bartender at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris during the 1920s, with its creation. Legend has it that Petiot mixed vodka with tomato juice and spices, naming it after Queen Mary I of England, known for her bloody reign. Another version attributes the drink’s invention to the St. Regis Hotel in New York City in the 1930s. Regardless of its precise origins, the Bloody Mary’s popularity grew steadily, becoming an iconic brunch cocktail celebrated for its bold flavors and alleged hangover-curing properties.
Interesting facts
While vodka is a key ingredient in the Bloody Mary today, the original recipe likely used gin.
Different countries put their spin on the Bloody Mary, resulting in variations like the “Bloody Caesar” in Canada (made with clamato juice), the “Michelada” in Mexico (includes beer), and the “Red Snapper” in Japan (uses gin instead of vodka).
Revelations:
The Manhattan cocktail is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. One popular theory traces its creation to a bartender named Black at the Manhattan Club in New York City, who crafted the drink for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (Winston Churchill’s mother) in the 1870s. It became an instant hit, named after the club where it was first served. The Manhattan quickly gained popularity in New York City’s vibrant cocktail scene and became a classic that has stood the test of time.
Interesting facts
Interestingly, the original Manhattan apparently didn’t include the maraschino cherry as garnish, but it has become a beloved tradition over the years.
The Manhattan cocktail has made numerous appearances in popular culture, including in movies like “Mad Men,” where it became a symbol of the sophisticated 1960s New York City lifestyle.
A Rob Roy is a variation of the Manhattan that substitutes Scotch whisky for the Rye, creating a smokier and slightly different flavor profile.
