How to Make a Manhattan

I like playing home bartender. I like hosting guests and then insisting those guests let me make drinks. If one declines, I insist harder — I’m like my grandmother offering leftovers. Then, once they inevitably accept, I skip to the liquor cabinet, and using fancy bar tools, mix a round while secretly pretending I’m Tom Cruise in Cocktail.

I think, mostly, guests enjoy these drinks. But even if they don’t, at least I’ve mastered some pretty damn good cocktails, and today we’re going to cover my favorite: The Manhattan.

The Ingredients

1. Bulleit rye

The first thing you’ll need is some rye whiskey, and since the Manhattan is 66% hooch you’ll want a brand that doesn’t suck. Luckily, quality comes cheap. Bulleit rye is delicious and runs about $20.

2. Martini and Rossi – Rosso Sweet Vermouth

Vermouth (pronounced ver-mooth) is a fortified wine (wine spiked with a spirit, in this case brandy). It’s sweet and floral notes accentuate the flavors of the whiskey.

Since vermouth has a wine base, it has a short shelf life. Buy the small bottles, refrigerate after opening, and enjoy within a month.

3. Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Bitters are a high-proof alcohol infused with fruit, herbs, and other flavor-packed ingredients. They help balance the cocktail.

Characterized by its oversized label, Angostura is the most recognizable brand in the bitters business and should be available at most liquor and grocery stores.

4. Maraschino cherries

Not a true ingredient per se, it’s not a dealbreaker if you don’t use cherries. However, they make a nice garnish and are a good after drink snack once they’ve absorbed a bunch of booze.

5. Ice sphere/cubes

While the Manhattan is traditionally served up (in a Martini glass, no ice), I prefer drinks on the rocks. But to prevent melting ice from diluting a beverage, I use ice spheres instead of cubes. You can get the molds here.

The Assembly

1. Combine in a rocks glass:
   • 3 ounces Bulleit rye
   • 1.5 ounces vermouth
   • 3 dashes bitters
   • Ice
2. Stir and let chill
3. Garnish with a cherry and serve

Bonus: When to Enjoy a Manhattan

Since a Manhattan is all booze, it works fast and can quickly and sufficiently bring you great happiness. It has served me well in the following situations:

• After a long day at the office
• Before an awkward social event
• During fantasy playoffs
• During NFL playoffs
• When the season’s on the line and it’s only 27 yards but it’s wide left
• When your quarterback wrecks his knee 10 days before the start of the following season
• When God hates your pitiful purple franchise SKOL!