The Story Behind The Perfect Manhattan
While it’s somewhat of a consensus that the Manhattan originated in the 1880s, some believe the eponymous Manhattan Club is where the cocktail was first made, while others insist that it was the creation of a man named Black who owned an establishment on Broadway. Either way, the mystery of the Manhattan adds to its debonair character, evoking images of posh 19th century New York socialites wetting their beaks in smoke-filled rooms.
Traditional Manhattans are made with rye whiskey, but modernized versions use bourbon for a slightly sweeter kick. For this recipe, we’re keeping it classic. The boldness of the rye is cut by the brightness of a good garnish — be it a syrupy maraschino cherry or a zesty orange peel. Need the right sweet vermouth? See our picks for the best vermouth for Manhattans!
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Learn About Rye
More Rye Recipes To Explore
High Rye Algonquin:
The timeless Algonquin cocktail, upgraded with Johnnie Walker High Rye — a variation that will make it easy to forget the original.
The Pernola Recipe:
The Sazerac, a classic cocktail from New Orleans, gets a reboot with rye, Peychaud's simple syrup, and orange bitters. Learn how to make it with this recipe.
The Forty Niner Recipe:
From Manhattan cocktail bar The Cabinet comes this elegant rye cocktail with raspberry. Learn how to make it with this recipe.
The Clint Eastwood Recipe:
Grab your bitters! This cocktail combines an entire teaspoon of Angostura bitters with high-proof rye whiskey and green chartreuse.
The Red Hook:
Built with rye whiskey, Maraschino liqueur, and Punt e Mes, the Red Hook has arguably become the most famous of its early aughts cohorts.
The Bardstown Recipe:
This boozy apple brandy and rye cocktail from Maggie Hoffman’s “Batch Cocktails” serves eight and is easy to make in advance. Get the recipe here!
