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.
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Learn About Rye
More Rye Recipes To Explore
The Clint Eastwood Recipe:
Grab your bitters! This cocktail combines an entire teaspoon of Angostura bitters with high-proof rye whiskey and green chartreuse.
Bulleit Rye Manhattan:
Made with Bulleit Rye, this recipe proves why the Rye Manhattan remains an enduring classic and beloved sipper.
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 Orange Old Fashioned Recipe:
In this twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, Grand Marnier and orange bitters add warm, citrus notes to offset rye's spice.
The Brooklyn Cocktail Recipe:
One of a series of cocktails named after the five boroughs, this riff on the Manhattan calls for a rare French liqueur.
Bulleit Ryes Up:
This cocktail is a great alternative to your usual neat Rye serve, so read on to learn how to craft a quality Bulleit Ryes Up.
