The Manhattan. A timeless classic. A drink steeped in history and sophistication. Ordering one, however, can be more than just reciting the name. It’s about understanding the nuances, the options, and expressing your personal preference to craft the perfect cocktail tailored to your taste. This guide will empower you to confidently order a Manhattan, ensuring you get exactly what you desire.
Understanding the Manhattan: The Foundation of Your Order
Before even approaching the bar, understanding the basic components of a Manhattan is crucial. Knowing the core ingredients and variations allows for informed decisions and clear communication with the bartender.
The Core Ingredients
The foundation of a Manhattan rests on three pillars: whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
- Whiskey: Traditionally, rye whiskey is the whiskey of choice for a Manhattan, offering a spicier, bolder flavor profile. However, bourbon, with its sweeter, smoother notes, is also a popular alternative.
- Vermouth: Sweet vermouth, a fortified wine infused with herbs and botanicals, provides the necessary sweetness and complexity to balance the whiskey’s strength.
- Bitters: Angostura bitters are the standard, adding a touch of bitterness and aromatic depth that ties all the flavors together.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic recipe is simple, the Manhattan offers room for customization. Understanding these variations will allow you to fine-tune your order.
- Perfect Manhattan: This variation calls for equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, creating a more balanced and less sweet cocktail.
- Dry Manhattan: This variation uses dry vermouth instead of sweet, resulting in a drier, more sophisticated drink.
- Rob Roy: A Rob Roy substitutes Scotch whisky for rye or bourbon, offering a smoky and peaty alternative.
- Black Manhattan: This modern twist replaces sweet vermouth with Averna, an Italian amaro, for a bittersweet and complex flavor profile.
The Art of Ordering: Specifying Your Preferences
Now, let’s get to the practical part: ordering the perfect Manhattan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your request.
Step 1: Choosing Your Whiskey
The first decision is arguably the most important: which whiskey will you choose? Be specific and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations.
- Rye or Bourbon?: Start by stating your preference: “I’d like a Manhattan with rye,” or “I’d like a Manhattan with bourbon.”
- Specific Brands: If you have a preferred brand, mention it: “I’d like a Manhattan with Rittenhouse rye,” or “I’d like a Manhattan with Maker’s Mark bourbon.”
- Asking for Recommendations: If you’re unsure, ask the bartender for suggestions: “I’m in the mood for a Manhattan. What rye whiskeys do you recommend?” or “I’m looking for a good bourbon for a Manhattan. What are your thoughts?”
Step 2: Vermouth Selection
Next, specify your vermouth preference. This is where you can truly personalize the cocktail.
- Sweet, Dry, or Perfect?: State your preference clearly: “With sweet vermouth, please,” or “With dry vermouth,” or “Make it a Perfect Manhattan.”
- Specific Brands: Some bars carry a variety of vermouths. If you have a preference, mention it: “With Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth,” or “With Dolin dry vermouth.”
- Ratio Adjustment (Advanced): For seasoned Manhattan drinkers, you can even specify the ratio of whiskey to vermouth. The standard is 2:1 (whiskey to vermouth), but you can request a drier Manhattan with a higher whiskey ratio (e.g., 3:1) or a sweeter Manhattan with a closer ratio (e.g., 1.5:1).
Step 3: Bitters and Garnishes
While Angostura bitters are the standard, don’t hesitate to explore other options. And the garnish can significantly impact the overall experience.
- Bitters Choice: If you’re feeling adventurous, inquire about alternative bitters: “Do you have any orange bitters available?” or “I’d like Angostura bitters, please.”
- Garnish Preference: The traditional garnish is a maraschino cherry, but lemon twists or expressed orange peels are also popular. State your preference: “With a cherry, please,” or “With a lemon twist,” or “With an expressed orange peel.”
- Luxardo Cherry (Upgrade): If the bar offers Luxardo cherries, they’re a worthwhile upgrade. These are higher-quality cherries with a richer, more complex flavor.
Step 4: Preparation Method
While less common, you can specify how you’d like your Manhattan prepared.
- Stirred or Shaken?: Traditionally, a Manhattan is stirred to maintain its texture and avoid excessive dilution. However, some people prefer it shaken for a colder, slightly more diluted drink. Specify your preference: “Stirred, please,” or “Shaken, please.” (Note: Stirring is generally preferred for this cocktail)
- Up or on the Rocks?: A Manhattan is typically served “up,” meaning strained into a chilled cocktail glass. However, you can also request it “on the rocks,” served over ice in a rocks glass.
Putting It All Together: Example Orders
Here are a few example orders demonstrating how to effectively communicate your preferences:
- “I’d like a Manhattan with Rittenhouse rye, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and a Luxardo cherry, stirred, up please.”
- “I’ll take a Perfect Manhattan with Maker’s Mark bourbon, Angostura bitters, and an expressed orange peel.”
- “Could I have a Manhattan with your recommended rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and a lemon twist?”
- “I’d like a Manhattan with Bulleit Rye, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, and a cherry.”
Navigating the Bar: Etiquette and Considerations
Ordering a Manhattan is more than just reciting ingredients; it’s about engaging with the bartender and understanding the bar environment.
Building a Rapport with the Bartender
A friendly and respectful approach goes a long way.
- Be Patient: Bartenders are often busy, especially during peak hours. Be patient and wait your turn.
- Make Eye Contact: When ordering, make eye contact with the bartender to show you’re ready.
- Speak Clearly and Concisely: Articulate your order clearly and avoid mumbling.
- Be Polite: Say “please” and “thank you.”
- Tip Appropriately: Show your appreciation with a generous tip.
Understanding the Bar’s Inventory
Knowing what the bar has to offer can help you make informed choices.
- Ask About Whiskey Selections: If you’re unsure, ask the bartender about their whiskey selection.
- Inquire About Vermouth Options: Some bars offer a variety of vermouths. Don’t hesitate to ask about the available options.
- Check the Cocktail Menu: Many bars have cocktail menus that list their signature drinks and the ingredients they use.
Dealing with Substitutions
Sometimes, a bar may be out of a specific ingredient.
- Be Flexible: If the bar doesn’t have your preferred whiskey or vermouth, be open to substitutions.
- Ask for Recommendations: If a substitution is necessary, ask the bartender for a recommendation that’s similar to your preference.
- Taste Before Committing: If you’re unsure about a substitution, ask if you can taste a small sample before committing to the entire drink.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Manhattan Techniques
For those seeking to elevate their Manhattan experience, here are some advanced techniques and considerations.
Aging Your Manhattan
Some enthusiasts age their Manhattans in oak barrels or glass bottles for weeks or months to further develop the flavors. This process mellows the whiskey and allows the vermouth and bitters to meld together more harmoniously. While you won’t be ordering an aged Manhattan at most bars, understanding the concept can inform your appreciation of the cocktail’s potential.
Playing with Bitters Combinations
Experimenting with different bitters combinations can add layers of complexity to your Manhattan. For example, try combining Angostura bitters with orange bitters or Peychaud’s bitters for a unique flavor profile.
Exploring Different Vermouth Styles
Beyond sweet and dry, explore different styles of vermouth, such as bianco vermouth or amber vermouth, to create entirely new Manhattan variations.
Conclusion: The Confidence to Customize
Ordering a perfect Manhattan is an art form. By understanding the core ingredients, exploring variations, and communicating your preferences clearly, you can confidently order a cocktail that perfectly suits your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment, ask questions, and engage with the bartender. The goal is to create a Manhattan that you truly enjoy. So, the next time you’re at a bar, take a deep breath, approach the bartender, and order your perfect Manhattan with confidence. The world of whiskey and vermouth awaits your exploration. Remember, the perfect Manhattan is the one that you enjoy the most.
What are the essential ingredients for a Manhattan?
The foundation of a perfect Manhattan rests upon three crucial ingredients: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Traditionally, rye whiskey is favored for its spicy and robust character, offering a distinctive bite that balances the sweetness of the vermouth. However, bourbon, with its smoother and sweeter profile, can also be used, leading to a subtly different but equally enjoyable variation.
Beyond the whiskey, sweet vermouth contributes the necessary sweetness and aromatic complexity. Opt for a high-quality brand that showcases notes of dark fruit, spice, and herbs. Finally, bitters, specifically Angostura bitters, provide a critical element of bitterness, adding depth and tying all the flavors together into a harmonious whole.
What is the ideal ratio of whiskey to vermouth in a Manhattan?
The classic ratio for a Manhattan is typically 2:1, meaning two parts whiskey to one part sweet vermouth. This ratio strikes a balance, allowing the whiskey’s strength to shine through while the vermouth softens the edges and adds a layer of sweetness. However, personal preference plays a significant role in determining the optimal ratio for each individual.
Experimenting with slight variations can yield surprisingly different results. Some prefer a drier Manhattan, leaning towards a 3:1 ratio, while others appreciate a sweeter version and may opt for a 1:1 or even a reversed ratio of 1:2. The key is to explore and discover what resonates best with your palate.
Should a Manhattan be stirred or shaken?
A Manhattan should always be stirred, never shaken. Stirring preserves the texture of the cocktail, maintaining a smooth and silky mouthfeel. Shaking, on the other hand, introduces air and ice shards, resulting in a cloudy appearance and a diluted flavor profile, detracting from the cocktail’s intended elegance.
Stirring allows the ingredients to gently meld together while maintaining their individual characteristics. Use a bar spoon and stir in a circular motion within a mixing glass filled with ice. Aim for about 30 seconds of stirring, or until the mixing glass feels noticeably cold, indicating that the drink is properly chilled and diluted.
What is the best type of ice to use for a Manhattan?
Large, dense ice cubes are ideal for making a Manhattan. The larger the ice cube, the slower it melts, minimizing dilution and preserving the cocktail’s intended strength and flavor. Avoid using crushed or small ice, as it melts quickly and waters down the drink.
Consider using ice trays that create larger cubes or spheres. These not only look aesthetically pleasing but also provide a slower melting rate. Alternatively, a single large ice sphere can be used in the serving glass to further minimize dilution and maintain the cocktail’s integrity throughout consumption.
What is the proper garnish for a Manhattan?
The classic garnish for a Manhattan is a maraschino cherry. A high-quality, brandied cherry, such as Luxardo or Amarena, is preferable over the artificially flavored, bright red variety. The cherry adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal, complementing the cocktail’s complex flavors.
Alternatively, an orange peel twist can be used as a garnish. Expressing the oils from the peel over the drink releases aromatic citrus notes, adding another layer of complexity to the cocktail’s profile. Some prefer to use both a cherry and an orange peel for a more elaborate presentation.
What is the best type of glass to serve a Manhattan in?
A Manhattan is traditionally served in a coupe glass or a martini glass. These stemmed glasses help to keep the cocktail cold by preventing the heat from your hand from warming the drink. They also add an element of sophistication to the presentation.
However, a rocks glass, filled with a large ice cube, can also be used, particularly for those who prefer a slower-sipping experience. This approach allows for the drink to evolve slightly as the ice melts, subtly altering the flavor profile over time. Ultimately, the choice of glass is a matter of personal preference.
How can I customize my Manhattan to suit my taste?
One of the beauties of the Manhattan is its adaptability. The type of whiskey used can be easily adjusted. Experiment with different rye whiskeys for varying levels of spice, or try bourbon for a smoother, sweeter experience. You can also explore different types of vermouth, such as dry vermouth for a drier Manhattan, often called a Dry Manhattan.
Another way to customize the drink is through the bitters. While Angostura is the classic choice, orange bitters or even chocolate bitters can add unique and interesting flavor nuances. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ratios of ingredients to find your perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and bitterness.