The Manhattan cocktail can rightfully be called a cult cocktail. To please yourself with the spicy taste of this drink, you don't have to go to a cocktail bar, because you can cook Manhattan at home.
The roots of the history of the Manhattan cocktail go back to the beginning of the 20th century, when the elite society of New York was in need of a decent drink that could satisfy the taste of even the most demanding gourmets. Different sources interpret the origin of "Manhattan" in their own way. Some argue that it was created by the owner of the bar of the same name, others are inclined to believe that the composition of the cocktail was invented by Winston Churchill's mother. Be that as it may, Manhattan is a truly amazing cocktail with a bittersweet taste and a unique spicy aroma. Despite the fact that the drink is considered elite, it can be easily prepared at home.
Ingredient List
There are three main ingredients in a classic cocktail. Two-thirds of the volume is Canadian whiskey. This strong alcoholic drink is made from rye wort and then aged for several years in oak barrels. Jim Beam Rye whiskey is the best for Manhattan, you can also buy Sazerac Straight. Both drinks have an alcohol content of about 45%, while lovers of stronger alcohol should use Thomas H. Handy whiskey with a beautiful amber hue and a brighter, richer taste.
The second ingredient for the cocktail is vermouth: always red and with the highest possible sugar content. You can use the old Carpano Antica Turin vermouth, but the ruby Martini Rosso, which is a much more common product, will also work. For the best taste of the cocktail, purchase vermouth in company stores.
The highlight of the cocktail is its third ingredient - bitter. The original Manhattan cocktail contains Angostura bitter - a herbal bitter tincture containing more than two dozen different extracts. Although it is not easy to find this drink in stores, it is he who gives the cocktail an unforgettable zesty flavor.
How to make a Manhattan cocktail
First you need to prepare a shaker: put 3-4 ice cubes in it and let the metal cool. Then the ice is removed and the glass is wiped with a dry towel, after which a new portion of ice is placed in it. 60 ml of rye whiskey, 30 ml of red vermouth are poured into a shaker and a few drops of bitter are added. The cocktail should be lightly mixed with a bar spoon and strain through a strainer into a Martini glass. Traditionally, the drink is decorated with a cocktail cherry.
