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Not only is a Manhattan a classic cocktail, it’s quite a classy cocktail too.
And you should start off with our classic Manhattan recipe, which stays true with its use of rye whiskey. The world won’t come to an end if you substitute bourbon, and in fact that’s the way a lot of bartenders make them in the Southern US – but it will taste a little sweeter than if you use rye.
There are a couple of steps here – the use of a mixing glass and straining the result – but this is also a very simple drink to make.
Saloonatic Tips for a Sophisticated Manhattan
- Stick to rye or Canadian whiskey
- Stirred, not shaken. Yes, it’s the anti-Bond cocktail. Shaking will make it cloudy.
- Stir it a good half minute or so to make sure it gets nice and chilled, and pour it into a chilled cocktail glass
Ingredients (for 1 drink)
To make one drink: 1 part = 1 cl = 1/3 oz.
- 5 parts Rye whiskey Or Canadian whiskey. If you’re not a purist you can use bourbon.
- 2 parts Sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions
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Pour the whiskey and vermouth over ice in a mixing glass
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Add the Angostura bitters and stir until chilled
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Strain into a chilled rocks glass or cocktail glass
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Garnish with a maraschino cherry