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The Manhattan Recipe

The Manhattan cocktail recipe guide: the correct ingredients and how to use them to make this iconic drink.

If you would like to learn how to make the famous Manhattan cocktail, here you will find all the details to make this mixology classic. Refined and nuanced, the Manhattan is a drink that wins you over with its elegance and balance of flavours. Follow our guide to discover the official recipe and how to recreate this timeless icon drink at home. The Manhattan cocktail has a long history rooted in the 19th century. According to legend, it was created in 1870 at the Manhattan Club in New York at a reception hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill. Although the exact origin is debated, the Manhattan recipe quickly became famous, winning the hearts of cocktail lovers around the world.
With its mix of whisky, vermouth and bitters, the Manhattan represents the perfect balance of intense and refined flavours, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate classic, well-structured cocktails.

Ingredients of the Manhattan

To prepare the Manhattan cocktail, you will need these quality ingredients:

  • 50 ml Rye Whisky
  • 20 ml of Red Vermouth
  • 2 drops of Angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • 1 Maraschino cherry (optional)

Ricetta Cocktail Manhattan

Whisky is the central element of this Manhattan recipe. Rye whisky is the traditional choice, with its strong, spicy character, but you can also opt for a bourbon if you prefer a softer, sweeter variant.

Preparation of the Manhattan Recipe

  • Fill a mixing glass with ice: this step helps to cool the cocktail without diluting it too much.
  • Add 50 ml of rye whisky, 20 ml of red vermouth and 2 drops of angostura bitters: respect the proportions for a balanced flavour, use a jigger or measuring cup.
  • Stir gently with a bar spoon to mix the ingredients well and chill them.
  • Strain the cocktail into a previously chilled cocktail glass.
  • You can top the drink with a maraschino cherry: the final touch for a sweet note.

Manhattan: Variation and Tips:

The traditional Manhattan recipe is unbeatable but there are several variations you can try. The Perfect Manhattan uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth for a more balanced taste. If you love Scotch whisky, you can try Rob Roy, a version that uses this type of whisky for a smokier, stronger flavour.

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