The Manhattan is a bourbon-based cocktail with mysterious origins. There are multiple myths surrounding who first created the drink–some say it was created for a party hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill’s mother, while others say it was created by a bartender in New York’s Hoffman House.
All anyone knows for certain is that this classic cocktail was created in the 1880s in Manhattan.
The drink has also gone through multiple variations through the years and can range from a subtle sweetness when made with sweet vermouth or a dryer martini made with dry vermouth.
This cocktail is also versatile enough that you can use bourbon, whiskey, rye, or scotch depending on the flavor you enjoy.
In Buddy’s Cocktail Bar, we typically stick with bourbon, but use any variation you have on hand and most enjoy!
Manhattan vs. Old Fashioned
What’s the difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned? While both are bourbon cocktails with a dash of bitters, an Old Fashioned doesn’t use vermouth and is sweetened instead with a sugar cube or a dash of simple syrup.
An Old Fashioned cocktail also has a touch of orange from the fresh orange peel squeezed into it and is typically served over ice (or with a giant ice cube) while a Manhattan is stirred with ice to chill but then strained into a martini glass.
Both drinks are similar enough that if you like the one, you’re bound to enjoy the other!
Manhattan Martini Recipe
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Luxardo cherry to garnish
How to Make a Manhattan Martini
- Fill a martini shaker full of ice.
- Add ingredients and stir with a bar spoon.
- Strain into a martini glass & garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
- Enjoy! 🙂
