Manhattan Cocktail Drink Recipe

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This Classic Manhattan Cocktail Drink Recipe is quick, easy and based on the original classic recipe. If you like whisky and vermouth, then this cocktail is for you. Rye is the traditional whiskey of choice, however commonly used whiskeys include Canadian whisky, blended whiskey, Tennessee whiskey or bourbon. The choice is up to you.

 The Manhattan cocktail, a True Classic

The Manhattan cocktail drink is another one of those drinks that has been around for many years (it’s thought to have originated in the 1870’s) and was again made popular by the popular TV series, Mad Men. As I mentioned in my Gin Gimlet Recipe post, Karlynn and I recently hosted a Mad Men themed party in our vintage home bar.

Side note: You can get an inside look at how the room looks in Karlynn’s latest post: How to Throw a Mad Men Party. 

As part of this party, we created cocktail stations centered around popular characters from the show, Mad Men. This was one of the cocktails I made for the party and it was very popular. Here’s a look at the card I made; including the fun character profile; for the Joan Harris Classic Manhattan station. We didn’t use shakers as it would be too messy for our guests, so follow the instructions on the actual recipe card below for a true Manhattan drink.

How do you make a Manhattan on the rocks?

A non-traditional way to make a Manhattan drink is to make one on the rocks. Simply add your ingredients to a whisky glass, stir and then add ice. It will dilute the drink but some prefer it this way.

What is the difference between a Manhattan and a Rob Roy?

The Manhattan drink is made with rye whiskey ( whisky if it’s Canadian) and the Rob Roy cocktail is made with scotch.  One of the staples of the Classic Manhattan cocktail drink recipe is, of course, an easy drinking whisky. Since the show focused heavily on Canadian Club as their whisky of choice, that’s what I based this particular Manhattan recipe off of. Canadian Club is a great choice for a few reasons; it’s quite inexpensive and it’s smooth enough that it mixes well (also makes a mean old fashioned).

Side note: The glasses you see above are vintage pheasant glasses and are from our vintage barware collection. We actually have quite a few of these in various styles from the classic roly poly (commonly used for the old fashioned) to pilsner glasses. 

This is a strong drink meant primarily for sipping slowly (think port or similar) so use small sherry glasses similar to the above or a martini glass when serving.

How to Make a Manhattan Drink

To make a Classic Manhattan Cocktail Drink, you need the following ingredients:

• Canadian Club whisky (or your whisky of choice)
• Vermouth
• Maraschino cherries
• Angostura bitters – you can buy some HERE

To prepare, add 2 oz Canadian Club whisky to 1/2  or 1 oz of vermouth. Add in a dash of bitters and 1 maraschino cherry. Give it a stir.

Now turn on the fireplace, cozy up with your Classic Manhattan and enjoy!

Why is it called a Manhattan?

The two commonly accepted theories are that the creator was a bartender named Black at a bar on Broadway, which was also near Houston Street OR that it was invented at the Manhattan Club in the 1870’s. Basically, no one knows for sure but what is known is that the main reason it became popular to make it with Canadian Rye Whisky is that during the Prohibition years (1920–1933) Canadian whisky was available more than any other whiskey at the time. The close proximity to the Canadian border helped with smuggling rye over, I am sure!

How to Make a Classic Manhattan Cocktail Drink Video

The video above shows you how to make a proper Manhattan. It’s one of Karlynn’s favorites to sip on in the winter ( she moves on to lighter summer drinks, you know, in the nicer weather, haha!)  To see all of the other drinks and the write up on the Mad Men Party, click these links below!

1. How to Throw a Mad Men Party
2. Gin Gimlet Recipe
3. Greyhound Cocktail Recipe
4. Old Fashioned Recipe

And there you have it! All the booze that you need for your Mad Men Themed Party!

Happy (and responsible) drinking everyone! Love you more than Old Fashioned’s,

Mike (aka Mr Magpie)

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