Everything You Need to Know About the Manhattan
Named after the New York City borough where it was born, the Manhattan cocktail is essentially a Martini for whiskey drinkers—sophisticated, timeless, and unapologetically bold. This iconic libation originated in the 1870s at the Manhattan Club and, unlike the Old Fashioned, is traditionally served "up" in a chilled coupe or martini glass. A study in simplicity and balance, the Manhattan recipe requires few ingredients: a spicy rye whiskey base, the botanical depth of sweet vermouth, a few dashes of aromatic bitters, and a garnish of two dark, glossy luxardo cherries. It’s a cocktail that can be made in minutes but offers a rich, complex profile that has defined New York bar culture for over a century.
