The story of the Manhattan Cocktail

There is a popular story about the origins of the Manhattan cocktail, but it is most probably not true. Legend told that a so-called Dr. Ian Marshall invented the drink in 1874. Apparently, he attended a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (Winston Churchill’s mother) at the „Manhattan Club NYC“. The banquet was held in honor of presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden. Reportedly, the Manhattan was such a huge success that other bars began recommending this cocktail as well.
Unfortunately, there is one big issue with this story. On the day of the alleged banquet, Jennie Jerome was actually in Blenheim, England….. So there is an mistake in the story.

THE INGREDIENTS FOR THE MANHATTAN COCKTAIL

Two parts spirit, one part vermouth and a little bit of bitters. We already know this from other great cocktails. With gin it’s a Martinez and with scotch it’s called Rob Roy.
There are variations where it is mixed with bourbon instead of rye. This is not objectionable. But if you want it to be really classic, I think it has to be a spicy rye whiskey.

WHICH AMERICAN WHISKEY?

So let’s focus on rye whiskey, as the classic recipe demands. In this case, I get it with the Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey. Also recommended if you are making a Vieux Carré or a New York Sour.

THE RIGHT VERMOUTH

For this recipe, we are talking about red vermouth. Sweet red vermouth mostly from Italy. Choosing the right bottle can be difficult, as the range of vermouths has expanded considerably in recent years.
Carpano Anita Formula, Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino or the French Dolin Rouge are recommended here. Also a good investment for the home bar on its own on ice, in combination with tonic water, in a Negroni or in an Americano.

BITTERS FOR THE MANHATTAN COCKTAIL?

Bitters are not an option, they are a must for the Manhattan. If we stay in the old days, we go for Angostura bitters. For chocolate notes, we use The Bitter Truth Chocolate Bitters. Other great spicy bitters include Dale de Groff’s Pimento Bitters or the Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters. 

More classic cocktails?!

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