While it's unclear exactly where this delightful cocktail originated, the Manhattan has certainly earned it's place among the classics. Articles in Liquour.com and tastecocktails.com both suggest the Manhattan made it's debut at a banquet given by Lady Randolph Churchill (yes, Winston's mother) in 1870. Conflicting stories, however, place Lady Churchill in England at the time, about to give birth to Winston.
Both articles suggest an alternative start to this still widely popular beverage - that it was actually invented by a man named "Black" in New York. Regardless of where it came from, the result is undeniably the same - a very fashionable and trendy concoction that is available in bars and restaurants throughout the world today.
There are 3 Manhattan variations that I'm most familiar with:
- 'Regular', which calls for sweet vermouth
- 'Dry', which calls for dry vermouth
- 'Perfect', which calls for equal amounts of both dry and sweet vermouth
All 3 share these same basic ingredients:
- Rye, bourbon or blended whiskey
- Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherries or lemon twists for garnish
After many experiments with different types of bourbon and/or whiskey, my husband, Don, came up with this particular recipe that has become quite popular among our family and friends.
Don's Smoked Maple Manhattan
Ingredients
- 2 ½ oz. Smoked Maple Bourbon (Don likes Knob Creek)
- 1 ½ Tbsp. dry vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 Luxardo cherries
Instructions
- In a cocktail mixing jar, add the bourbon and vermouth
- Add the bitters
- Stir gently
- Pour into a cocktail glass
- Garnish with the Luxardo cherries
These make a perfect pitcher cocktail for your Game Day celebration! Or serve them alongside Pulled Pork Sliders on Game Day!
If you do try this, I'd love to hear what you think as well as what you served them with!
Cheers!
One of our favorites!!! 🙂