The history of Manhattan may not be as clear-cut as you might wish for. However, one thing is certain – Manhattan has always been popular. Amazingly enough, the favorite drink which upscale socialites tip to their lips in the late 19th century looked and tasted almost the same as the version served now at any good cocktail bar. The Manhattan mixer of American alcohol and Italian vermicelli, lightly enlivened by some dashes of bitter herbal bitters, is delicious, and timeless, the essence of what a good cocktail should ideally be. Here are some of Manhattan’s best drinks.
Manhattan is the perfect example of a drink combining well known ingredients in a pleasing manner. One such well known ingredient is Italian vermouth. A mixture of tomato juice and some basil, the Italian vermouth imparts a tangy, slightly bitter flavor to Manhattan that’s unmistakable. This is the cocktail’s backbone, and it accounts for its popularity among upscale crowds. If you’re looking to up the ante on your Manhattan or Locksmith Manhattan, spiced tomato juice or maraschino grape juice can really do the trick.
Another signature drink of Manhattan is the Martini. Also created by combining vermouth and some dry vermouth, this drink features the same dry ingredients used in Manhattan, but it’s rolled into a spiral shape instead of in a cup. Made with just three simple ingredients, the Martini can be made for a simple, low-cost brunch or a classy, sophisticated Manhattan. The Martini uses different versions of the standard drinks listed above, but the base is all about the dry vermouth.
Whiskey is another popular addition to Manhattan. Whiskey has long been associated with the rich and powerful flavors associated with Manhattan. Distilled from hard liquor of the highest quality, many consider whiskeys a necessity when making Manhattan. Most bartenders will stock a bar for the Manhattan experience, and a good bar will have an array of whiskeys from which you may choose. If you’re looking to up the ante on your Manhattan, a good whiskey will really do the trick.
There are even Manhattan variations on the Martini. Instead of using dry vermouth or sweet vermouth in the recipe, bartenders often use Bailey’s Irish cream. This less-reciated sweet ingredient makes a bolder, more intense version of the Manhattan recipe without changing the essence of the drink itself. Some bartenders also add triple sec, Grand Marnier, or other strong drinks to the Manhattan to give it that last-minute, suave twist.
Other popular Manhattan variations are the Manhattan cup, Manhattan glass, Martini, and Manhattan split. The Manhattan cup, as its name implies, is used to drink the Manhattan in one shot. Many Manhattan aficionados prefer this method of enjoying the drink since it allows them to sip and taste the flavors in each glass without getting their drink mixed. Manhattan glass, on the other hand, is used when making the Manhattan to be consumed on its own. For those people who enjoy the Manhattan but would prefer to not drink it in a shot, a Manhattan glass is the way to go.
A Manhattan is traditionally served with two dashes of lemonade or club soda. The number of dashes varies, depending on your preferences. However, most people I’ve talked to would only recommend two dashes for Manhattan drinks. In order to save time and create a Manhattan that you can serve at the drop of a hat, consider using a Martini Bar Glass in which you take a normal bar glass and fill it with a bit of syrup, then set it aside.
Then, all you have to do is use a blender to liquefy the ingredients, pour in the Manhattan, and shake until it’s a smooth batter. If you prefer, you could also substitute the simple syrup for an equal amount of molasses or sweet vermouth. When you serve it, keep a napkin nearby to avoid burning your fingers as well as your Manhattan is supposed to be enjoyed quickly so you might want to keep this in mind when mixing it up.
Cocktail Party – Manhattan
A Manhattan is one of the oldest cocktails. It first became popular in England around the 18th century. It is said to be a variation on the Martini and is different because of the gin and vermouth. Invented by Captain Hook, this drink was adapted from the French bar.
Most bartenders would say that the Manhattan is a Manhattan because of the ingredients, but really, they are all different. Old Fashioneds are usually created using rye whiskey, Bourbon or Sweet whiskey. The real key difference however is the vermouth and how it makes all the difference! The Manhattan uses simple sugar and the old fashioned uses rich vermouth for their recipe.
The base of any Manhattan is of course the Knob Creek rye whiskey. This is best if you have it from the distillation process. It has a very high rye content and some bartenders use white rum for their recipe. For flavor, bartenders will use any combination of these ingredients: brandy, ginger ale, peanut butter, orange juice, honey, lemon juice, ice cubes, ice cream, cherries, cranberry sauce, and everything else you can think of!
If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, then you might look into Manhattan style Manhattans. This drink is just a mix of three ingredients: peach brandy, rum, and lime juice. Sometimes, you will also add a little lemon zest to add a little more life to your Manhattan. If you add the vermouth, it will become more marinated in the drink. Also, if you are going to make this a Manhattan, then you have to get it from somewhere. Most often, bartenders will get the Manhattan at a Manhattan bar.
Manhattan nightclub
While most bartenders only get one glass of Manhattan at a Manhattan bar, it is still quite common to see people drinking two or more at a time. Two Manhattan cocktails consist of a Manhattan with no vermouth at all and a Manhattan that has a touch of liqueur added to it. When mixing these two drinks, you need to be careful not to make the Manhattan too sweet. If you do, it will be overwhelming and will take away from the original flavor of the drink.
Now, don’t feel like you have to go out to a Manhattan bar or club if you don’t want to. You can also make a Manhattan at home, in your kitchen, or even at your office if you have a blender and a press. These days, many people are making Manhattan at home because it tastes so good. If you are a purist, then you can use all grain whiskey instead of the rye and simply pour the ingredients into a glass. You can then add ice and mix until you have a good mixture.
There are different ingredients that go into making a Manhattan, but the basics include dry vermouth, some sugar, lemon juice, some maraschino cherries, and perhaps some Swetamore or Angostura. Typically, the recipe for a Manhattan calls for two ounces of dry vermouth, four ounces of sweetened white rum, two ounces of straight whiskey, one or two dashes of absinthe or brandy, and about two ounces of lime juice. If you use other flavors of alcohol, simply adjust the amounts accordingly. Also, this drink should be served with a fresh sprig of lemon on the side of Locksmith Services.
The Manhattan is not just for mixing in drinks at a Manhattan nightclub. Other than mixing them with other drinks at a Manhattan nightclub, you can also make candies at home for your own parties. For example, you could make Manhattan cocktails for your daughter’s birthday and give her a Manhattan instead of a drink. Likewise, for a friend’s bachelor party you could make him a Manhattan instead of another drink. A Manhattan is versatile enough to serve at just about any cocktail party.