Manhattan is a cocktail that is often called the king of mixed drinks. At first glance, making it seems simple: mix whiskey, sweet vermouth and a couple of drops of bitter. Anyone can make a more or less worthy version of it. But a truly outstanding “Manhattan” is only able to cook the person who truly understands the importance of the necessary components.
Over the past century, when many of the best alcoholic cocktails were invented, this drink has managed to remain popular. Perhaps, since the invention of his recipe, there have been small changes in it (for example, the version with the addition of Curacao or Maraschino liquor), but vermouth always remains an integral component.
There are several versions regarding its occurrence. One popular story tells that in 1874, Jenny Jerome (Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill's mother ), a socialite who was considered one of the most beautiful women of her time, held a banquet in honor of presidential candidate Samuel Jones Tilden at the famous New York club Manhattan The cocktail, invented by Dr. Ian Marshall, which was treated to the guests, was mixed from (American) rye whiskey (Rye whiskey), liquor, vermouth and bitter. The success of the banquet made fashionable and a drink, ordering which subsequently referred to the name of the club. True, this story was called into question by the biographers of the Churchill family, who claimed that Jenny Jerome lived in France at that time and was in an interesting position.
In the Prohibition era in America, the composition of the drink changed a bit. There was virtually no production of rye whiskey and later bourbon (Bourbon whiskey). Mostly used Canadian whiskey (Canadian whiskey). But even after the prohibition of the dry law, rye whiskey was unavailable, given that distilleries were closed for a long time, and the product required a long aging process. The factories producing corn whiskey recovered faster. Some historians believe that they did not stop production at all, and to stay in business during the ban on alcohol, they sold bourbon for “medicinal purposes” according to prescriptions received from doctors (more than a million gallons every year!).
"Manhattan" - a cocktail due to the subtleties. The basis of it is whiskey. Which brand is better to use? It depends on personal taste preferences. But the ideal option would be the one on the basis of which the drink was originally created. Rye whiskey is very characteristic and strong. Bourbon has a sweet taste. Canadian is still popular in America. But the following detail should be noted: Rye Whiskey, as a rule, should be made from 51 percent rye (no less), while Canadian does not have such restrictions and is often mixed.
Although Manhattan is a cocktail, which, in fact, is an icon of mixed alcoholic drinks, it happens that it is often quite difficult to find a drinking institution where this drink is made according to the classical pattern. With regard to vermouth, it should be borne in mind that he must calm the "wild soul" of whiskey, but at the same time allow it to be recognized. Simply put, the components must balance each other. Two parts of whiskey to one part of vermouth - nothing more than a general course. It should be remembered that the recipes for spicy wines are drastically different depending on the brand. They can include hyssop, coriander, juniper, cloves, chamomile, orange peel, rose petals, calamus root, elderberry flowers, gentian, ginger, allspice. Sometimes it’s enough to add a little strong drink to them and get tasty alcoholic cocktails. Fine sweet vermouth Martini & Rossi is a light, grassy, fine-structured wine that can be used in large enough quantities (depending on whiskey) in a Manhattan cocktail.
Bitters are an equally important component. Here, too, is a matter of taste, although, as a rule, they choose the "Angostura". Perhaps someone would prefer orange bitter.
And finally, as for the garnish decoration. If a cocktail with citrus aroma, then it is better to use lemon zest. With "Angostura" - it will be ideally decorated with maraschino cherries.