The classics are among the best places to start your cocktail journey, and the widely available ingredients in the Manhattan make for a satisfying sipper. Start with the classic recipe, then experiment: swap bourbon for rye or vary the proportions, although the 2:1:2 is the classic.
The Manhattan
SpiritWhiskey
Cocktail familyMartini
FlavorsBoozy · Spicy · Sweet
Makes
Ingredients
2ozRye or Bourbon
1ozCarpano Antica or Cocchi di Torino
2dashes Angostura Bitters
Method
Add all ingredients to mixing glass.
Add ice and stir for 30-40 seconds, or until well-diluted (see note).
Double strain either up in a chilled coupe or over a large rock in an old-fashioned glass.
Garnish with as many cherries as you’d like!
Tip: add a teaspoon of the syrup from the Luxardo cherry jar when you fish out your garnish.
Called “old-fashioned” because barkeeps of yore would fancy up a base combination of liquor plus all manner of fruit, fortified wine and god-knows what else. So the ‘cool kids’ asked for a drink ‘the old-fashioned way’ meaning a simpler combo of sprit, sugar and bitters.
The Old-Fashioned
SpiritWhiskey
Cocktail familyOld-Fashioned
Flavors
Makes
Ingredients
2ozRye or Bourbon Whiskey
1Bar Spoon Simple Syrup or Gomme Syrup
1dash Angostura Bitters
1dash Regans Orange Bitters
Method
In a chilled mixing glass, combine all but garnish.
Fill mixing glass with cracked ice and stir until outside of glass is frosty and the drink is diluted to taste, around 30-40 seconds.
Strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large (about two-inch) rock of ice.
Prepare citrust twists, but here keeping a resonable bit of the white pith.
About one inch over glass, pinch to express oils atop cocktail.
Swipe peels along outside rim of glass.
Then nestle peels between glass wall and ice cube.
