Timeless Manhattan

🕒 Prep: 3 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

The Timeless Manhattan is a classic cocktail that never goes out of style. With its rich blend of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, it's perfect for those who appreciate a drink with depth and character. Whether you're unwinding after a long day or hosting a sophisticated gathering, this cocktail is sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly balanced with a smooth, robust flavor.
  • Simple yet sophisticated, ideal for any occasion.
  • Requires just a few ingredients you might already have.

Ingredients

2 oz rye whiskey
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 maraschino cherry
Ice cubes

Ingredients Explained

The star of this cocktail is rye whiskey, which provides a spicy, bold foundation. The sweet vermouth adds a hint of sweetness and complexity, balancing the whiskey's intensity. A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters bring depth with their aromatic spiciness. Finally, a single maraschino cherry offers a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a jigger for precise measurements; accuracy ensures a well-balanced cocktail.
  • Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving to keep your drink colder longer.
  • Use a quality rye whiskey for the best flavor profile. It makes all the difference.

Detailed Instructions

Start by filling a mixing glass with ice cubes. This will ensure that your cocktail is well-chilled without becoming watered down. Next, pour in 2 ounces of rye whiskey followed by 1 ounce of sweet vermouth. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters to the mix. Stir gently; you want the ingredients to meld together without over-diluting the drink. Once everything is chilled and combined, strain the mixture into a cocktail glass that's also been chilled. This step keeps the drink cold and crisp. Finally, drop a maraschino cherry right into the glass for garnish — it’s the finishing touch that makes the drink both visually appealing and subtly sweet.

Simplified Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir gently until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Serving Suggestions

The Manhattan pairs beautifully with a charcuterie board, particularly meats and cheeses with bold flavors that can stand up to the cocktail's richness. It's also a great pre-dinner drink to stimulate the appetite when served with salty snacks like olives or roasted nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bourbon instead of rye whiskey?
Yes, you can use bourbon, but keep in mind it will make the cocktail sweeter and less spicy.
What if I don’t have a mixing glass?
You can use any large glass or even a shaker without the lid. The key is to have enough space to stir the drink thoroughly.

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