The Manhattan is a whiskey-based cocktail created in the United States. The cocktail is considered to the first modern cocktail due to the inclusion of certain ingredients that were uncommon in mixed drinks at the time.

Like many of the great cocktails, the origins of the drinks are somewhat mysterious with many sources claiming its origin. One of the most widely believed stories is that it originated at the Manhattan Club in the 1870s, although the reason for its creation is questionable. Another theory, and perhaps more plausible, is that it was invented by George Black at around the same time which he named after his bar the Manhattan Inn.

The mixing of whisky, specifically American Whisky, with Vermouth is seen as an important part in the history of the cocktail making. The increase of the immigration from Europe in the mid-1800s saw the introduction of new drinks that had previously been unavailable in the United States. Italian immigrants, in particular, are considered to have introduced Vermouth to America which would become key to the creation of the Manhattan.

Rye whiskey is considered to be the best choice when preparing a Manhattan, although other whiskeys are often used. The preparation and ingredients used to prepare the drink also varies depending on bartender with the ingredients and preparations listed below considered the most common and widely used.

Ingredients

• 60ml rye whisky
• 30ml sweet red vermouth
• Angostura Bitters
• maraschino cherries

Preparation

1. Chill a cocktail glass.
2. Add the whisky, vermouth and dash of Angostura Bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
3. Stir well and strain into the chilled cocktail glass.
4. Remove the stem from the maraschino cherry and drop into the centre of the glass.