Do you like Manhattan cocktails? If so, you most likely think that the overly complex flavors of Manhattan make it difficult to make your own at home. In fact, it doesn't take special skills or equipment to produce a delicious glass of Manhattan cocktail, lo! In particular, you only need to mix rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters in the right proportions. To maximize the flavor, chill the serving glass for later use and make sure the Manhattan texture doesn't change when stirred. Voila, a glass of Manhattan that is no less delicious with a reliable barista concoction is ready to be enjoyed!
Ingredients
- 60 ml rye whiskey
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 2 pinches of Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Will make: 1 cocktail glass
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making a Classic Manhattan Recipe
Step 1. Cool the serving glass while the cocktail is being made
The trick, fill a coupe glass, martini glass, or other short-walled cocktail glass with ice cubes; set aside. To simplify and streamline the process, simply place the glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before using it.
If later Manhattan will be served with additional ice cubes, we recommend using a short-walled glass instead of a coupe glass
Step 2. Put 2 pinches of angostura bitters in a cocktail shaker bottle or glass to mix the cocktail ingredients
If you don't have both, you can use any large glass. Remember, even if the bottle will not be shaken later, still prepare a bottle cap or filter whose size is according to the diameter of the mouth of the bottle.
Angostura bitters can be purchased at online and offline stores that sell fermented wine and/or liquor
Step 3. Add 60 ml of rye whiskey and 30 ml of sweet vermouth
Pour both into a bottle or glass through a sieve. Although it is okay to use other types of rye whiskey, make sure the amount used is still 1 part vermouth to 2 parts rye whiskey.
Sweet vermouth can be purchased at stores that sell fermented wine or liquor. If you're having trouble finding sweet vermouth, try looking for red vermouth or rouge vermouth
Step 4. Fill the bottle or glass with ice cubes
It's best to use ice cubes instead of crushed ice, especially as crushed ice can melt quickly and risk changing the texture of the cocktail. Even if you use ice cubes, make sure you add them just before the cocktail is stirred and served.
If the ice cubes are added before you pour the bitters, rye, and vermouth into the bottle or glass, you won't be able to control their capacity to dilute the texture of the cocktail
Step 5. Stir the cocktail for 30 to 40 seconds
Use a long spoon to stir the cocktail solution until the walls of the bottle are very cold. Gradually, the ice cubes will slightly thin the texture of the cocktail and make the cocktail taste more solid.
Don't shake the Manhattan as you risk blurring the color or foaming in the texture
Step 6. Strain the cocktail into a serving glass
Remove the ice cubes from the glass or remove the glass from the freezer. Then, pour the cocktail from the bottle into it.
Step 7. Decorate the glass with cherries commonly used in cocktails, such as maraschino or luxcardo cherries
Insert the cherry into the end of the cocktail stick, then slide the stick into the glass. Serve Manhattan immediately while it's still cold!
Variation:
If you don't want to use cherries as a garnish, try adding grated lemon zest to your cocktail.
Method 2 of 2: Modifying the Basic Manhattan Recipe
Step 1. Substitute bourbon for rye whiskey for a cocktail that tastes milder
In fact, the traditional Manhattan recipe uses rye whiskey for a stronger, more spiced taste. Therefore, if you prefer a more subtle cocktail, try using bourbon instead of rye whiskey.
Tip:
Not afraid to experiment? Try using overproof rum (more than 50% alcohol) or tequila instead of bourbon or rye. Although the taste is different from the traditional Manhattan version, chances are you will love its uniqueness!
Step 2. Mix equal amounts of sweet vermouth and dry vermouth to make a glass of Perfect Manhattan
If the classic Manhattan taste is too sweet for you, try using equal amounts of sweet vermouth and dry vermouth. In particular, the addition of dry vermouth can make the cocktail taste more balanced.
Please modify the amount of dry vermouth and sweet vermouth to produce a blend of flavors that suits your taste
Step 3. Make a Brooklyn cocktail with dry vermouth mixture
If you don't want to use sweet vermouth, try replacing it with dry vermouth. To make a Brooklyn cocktail, you just need to mix together rye whiskey, bitters and 2 pinches of maraschino cherry liqueur. Then, stir the cocktail for 30 seconds before straining it into the glass.
If you can't find maraschino cherry liqueur, try amaretto
Step 4. Add a few drops of cherry juice to sweeten the cocktail a bit
Basically, Manhattan already tastes a little sweet because of the sweet vermouth mix. However, you can still add a few drops of canned cherry juice if the sweetness is still lacking.
If you don't have maraschino or luxcardo cherries in a can, try adding a few drops of grenadine syrup
Step 5. Get creative with different types of bitters for a more unique cocktail taste
While angostura bitters are the most common ingredient used to make classic Manhattan recipes, trying different types of bitters can result in cocktails with different characteristics. Therefore, try making Manhattan with different types of bitters:
- Citrus: orange, grapefruit, Meyer lemon, yuzu
- Chocolate or coffee
- Herbs: lavender, thyme, cardamom
- Mole
Step 6. Serve the cocktail with additional ice cubes to refine the taste
Put 2 to 3 ice cubes in the cooled glass first before adding the cocktail. Ice cubes are able to gradually dilute the texture of Manhattan so that the taste is no longer as strong as it used to be.
