Manhattan - Perfect, Modern and other variations

A Manhattan is a combination of whiskey (as the main spirit), Sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stirred and garnish with a Maraschino cherry. You may find many recipes where the ingredients might get a little fancy and where the proportions change. Mixing drinks just like cooking, varies according to the ingredients. With that said, I am posting the recipe for a traditional Manhattan,

Suggestions:
- Rye Whiskey is preferred over others, but others like Bourbon, Canadian, Blended, or even Tennessee can be used.
- Some people choose to have them on the rocks and they might be poor on a low ball glass. That´s O.K.
- Be creative. Dare to switch the Angostura Bitters (With Gentian roots and other herbal flavors) for Orange Bitters (Perhaps doing your own bitters?), Peychaud´s Bitters (Other Gentian root based concoction but more floral in its aroma).
- Vermouth is used in Manhattans because the properties found in "Digestifs" (Post Dinner Spirits), therefore using amari, brandy, grappa, herbal liqueur, limoncello, ouzo, or even tequila may not be out of the question. Just experiment before hand, you don´t want to surprise negatively your guests.

MANHATTAN TRADITIONAL RECIPES

Manhattan
IBA approved recipe

2 1/2 oz Rye Whiskey (Canadian Whiskey works too)
1 oz Sweeth Vermouth
Dash of Angostura Bitters
Maraschino Cherry as garnish

Stirred over ice, strained, poor on chilled glass,straight up (without ice).

Perfect Manhattan
1 1/2 oz Whiskey
1 1/2 oz Sweeth Vermouth
Dash of Angostura Bitters
Maraschino Cherry as garnish


Stirred over ice, strained, poor on chilled glass,straight up (without ice).

Traditional Manhattan
2 oz Whiskey
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 oz DryVermouth
Dash of Angostura Bitters
Maraschino Cherry as garnish




MANHATTAN VARIATIONS

Rob Roy
A Manhattan made with Scotch
2 1/2 oz Scotch Whiskey
1 oz Sweeth Vermouth
Dash of Angostura Bitters
Maraschino Cherry as garnish

Dry Manhattan

A Manhattan made with Dry Vermouth and a Twist
2 1/2 oz Scotch Whiskey
1 oz Dry Vermouth
Dash of Angostura Bitters
Lemon Twisted over drink and used as garnish

Blackberry Ginger Manhattan

(Look for September´s blog on syrups)

1 3/4 oz american whiskey
1/3 oz italian vermouth
1/3 oz blackberry liqueour
1/3 oz ginger syrup
dash of blackberry bitters
shattered blackberries

Swirl with ice to chill, pour into a cocktail glass, and garnish with a maraschino cherries or berries