A few weeks ago I had a conversation with a co-worker about the ingredients of a Manhattan cocktail. I confidently, and quite arrogantly, stated that the ingredients are whiskey, sweet vermouth and a maraschino cherry (though I sometimes ask for two). He corrected me with the fact that a Manhattan also contains bitters, and I couldn’t believe it. How could I go on this long without knowing the exact ingredients of my favorite cocktail? And more importantly, how could I have allowed my Mad Men party be so incomplete? What a poor hostess!
When I go out I do tend to order wine or beer, but when I am in the mood for a cocktail, it’s almost always a Manhattan. I just love whiskey. Unlike vodka, it has a flavor that can stand up against anything. It’s never in the background of a drink – it’s always what makes it.
Since my little lesson on ingredients, I feel like I have been stumbling across the drink more often. Does that ever happen to you? Like when you learn a new word and all of a sudden everyone around you uses it constantly?
In the September issue of Food & Wine there was a focus on the “50 best recipes from the new south.” In that issue I learned the southern take – a Maker’s Mark Manhattan. As you can imagine, the main ingredient is Maker’s Mark.
Also, for the past two weeks I have been frequenting Trina’s Starlite Lounge with friends. Most of the time, by the time I decide to go I have already eaten dinner, so as my friends enjoy their meals, I sit and sip a Manhattan. But not just any Manhattan, Trina’s has their own take.
Their INMANhattan (cleverly nicknamed after its neighborhood) is made with rye, Carpano Antica and orange bitters. And they dress it up with an orange peel. I think it’s amazing.
Besides the whiskey, what I love about a Manhattan is that it’s classic and undeniable, no matter what form it takes. And even if you ignorantly leave out the bitters, there’s no doubt that you’re drinking a classic.
What’s your favorite cocktail? And if you had to make it, would you actually know the ingredients?
I prefer my manhattan with a nice bourbon, buffalo trace is a good one. If you like manhattans you’d like old fashions too! Bitters might be the best cocktail ingredient ever, it’s extremely versatile. There was a shortage of angostura bitters (my favorite brand) due to a factory production problem almost a year ago and hardly any stores could get a hold of any, I had to order it by the case off amazon. Luckily production is back to normal and you can find it everywhere again.
You’re welcome!
I imagine that it’s mostly only the nicer bars that actually add bitters. A lot of bars probably don’t even stock it. When I got my bartending certification they didn’t even tell us that bitters was in a Manhattan, and when I bartended for some catering companies while I was in Boston, I never once was given bitters to work with. That being said, bitters is (are?) delicious and you really can make some excellent drinks with it.
i’ve never tried a manhattan, though i do like whiskey so i might have to try one soon. i prefer more fruity drinks i love cosmos and also anything pomegranate. i like to think i make a pretty good cosmo myself.
A mojito yuuuuuuuuuuuuum
one of my favorite cocktails!
Oh yes! Manhattan’s are one of my favorite drinks!
YUM! Manhattans remind me of my neighbors because they have them at their “happy hour” every single night
What I drink totallyyy depends on my mood. Usually red wine, but I have an Absolut Boston obsession and just discovered Skyy Ginger, which is SO good. Plus, I love some sambuca after dinner 