The Manhattan cocktail has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved classic for over a century. This sophisticated drink, a harmonious blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a maraschino cherry, represents the epitome of spirit-forward and aromatic cocktails. But what exactly makes a Manhattan a Manhattan? Let’s dive into the components and construction of this iconic beverage.
A Glimpse into the Manhattan’s Origins
The exact origins of the Manhattan are shrouded in mystery, with its creation believed to have occurred around the 1880s. While several stories circulate, a popular account traces its roots to the Manhattan Club in New York City. One narrative suggests that Dr. Iain Marshall, a guest at the club, was the originator, while another, more dubious claim attributes the drink to Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill’s mother, though historical records indicate she wasn’t even in the United States at the time. Another story links the Manhattan to a bartender named Black, who ran an establishment on Broadway south of Houston Street, although corroborating evidence remains elusive.
Despite the varying origin stories, the cocktail’s core recipe has remained remarkably consistent throughout its history. While some early variations existed, such as a recipe from 1915 by Henry Watterson in History of the Manhattan Club: A Narrative of the Activities of Half a Century, which called for equal parts of all ingredients, a 2-to-1 ratio of whiskey to vermouth has long been the standard.
The Essence of a Manhattan: A Spirit-Forward Symphony
The Manhattan is a quintessential example of a spirit-forward 2:1 cocktail. Unlike the Martini, whose proportions have undergone numerous transformations, the Manhattan’s specifications have largely resisted major alterations and popular trends.
The Building Blocks of Flavor
The Manhattan adheres to a relatively simple formula shared by many classic cocktails, including the Old Fashioned and the Negroni: a base spirit combined with a sweet element and a bittering agent. The sweet element, traditionally sweet vermouth, softens the spirit, reduces the harshness of the alcohol, and enhances the whiskey’s subtle nuances. A few dashes of bitters add depth and accentuate the base spirit’s oak aging notes.
The Old Fashioned serves as an excellent point of comparison, representing the most stripped-down version of this template. In an Old Fashioned, whiskey is paired with sugar, typically in the form of a muddled cube or teaspoon, along with Angostura bitters. The Manhattan is remarkably similar, with the primary difference being the substitution of plain sugar with sweet vermouth.
Consider that sweet vermouth typically contains around 150 grams of sugar per 750ml bottle, which equates to approximately 4.5 grams per fluid ounce, or about one teaspoon of sugar.
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In essence, the Manhattan builds upon the structure of the Old Fashioned (spirit/sugar/bitter) but adds complexity through the sweet vermouth’s unique flavor and aromatic profile.
The Manhattan’s enduring popularity and the numerous cocktails modeled after its 2:1 spirit-to-vermouth ratio are testaments to its perfectly balanced composition.
Rye vs. Bourbon: The Whiskey Question
The choice between rye whiskey and bourbon is a frequent point of debate among cocktail enthusiasts, and ultimately comes down to personal preference. Rye is often considered the traditional choice, with some suggesting it was the preferred whiskey of New Yorkers during the cocktail’s early days. However, bourbon offers its own appeal, and the cocktail has historically been made with both.
Rye whiskey imparts spicier and more peppery notes to the cocktail, while bourbon typically offers a slightly sweeter profile. Given that sweet vermouth already adds richness and a rounded flavor, a drier rye whiskey is often preferred to create balance. However, the right bourbon can achieve a similar effect, and the overlap between the two whiskey styles, as well as the variation among individual bottlings, makes it a matter of individual taste.
In short, the best whiskey for a Manhattan is the one you enjoy the most.
