Calories:186
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:4g
Alcohol %:28
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Manhattan cocktail is a classic and a favorite of many. It was first created in the mid-1870s, during a party held by Lady Randolph Churchill (Winston Churchill's mother) in Manhattan. The drink was an instant success and has been a staple in bars across the world ever since. This particular version, the Makers Manhattan, uses Maker's Mark bourbon, which gives it a unique and rich flavor. It's a favorite among bourbon lovers and those who appreciate a well-balanced cocktail.
The Makers Manhattan is a robust and full-bodied cocktail. It's sweet, but not overly so, with a strong bourbon flavor that's balanced by the bitterness of the vermouth. The cherry and orange garnish add a hint of fruitiness, while the bitters give it a complex, layered taste.
Bourbon is the heart of the cocktail, providing a sweet, rich base with vanilla and caramel notes. Using 2 oz strikes a balance with the other ingredients without overpowering the drink. Less bourbon might make the drink too mild, while more can make it overly strong.
Sweet vermouth adds herbal and sweet flavors, creating complexity and depth. 1 oz is enough to complement the bourbon without making the cocktail too sweet. Without it, you'd lose the special Manhattan character.
Bitters are like the cocktail's spice rack, providing a hint of spice and balance. Two dashes are plenty to enrich the flavor without overwhelming it. Without bitters, the cocktail would be less complex and rather one-dimensional.
The cherry provides a sweet garnish that complements the other ingredients and offers a pleasing finish to the drink. Skip it, and you miss out on a classic cocktail experience.
An orange peel garnish contributes a zesty aroma, brightening up the cocktail and providing a subtle citrus note. A Manhattan without the peel would lack this uplifting scent.
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Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Hold the orange peel in one hand and use a knife or peeler to lightly score the skin in a twisting motion. Be careful not to cut too deep into the bitter pith.
You can use non-alcoholic vanilla extract or non-alcoholic beer as a substitute for the Maker's Mark bourbon.
It's best to consume the cocktail immediately after preparation. However, if it must be stored, cover the glass with a wrap and store in the refrigerator for a short duration. Be aware this might affect the taste.
Peychaud's Bitters or Orange Bitters can be used as an alternative to Angostura.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
The Boulevardier is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and bold taste. It has a bitter-sweet profile, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of the vermouth. The whiskey adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect drink for sipping.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
The Dirty Martini has a bold, savory taste with a hint of saltiness from the olive brine. It is a strong, slightly bitter cocktail with a smooth finish.
The Adonis cocktail is light, refreshing, and slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness. The combination of sherry and vermouth creates a complex and well-balanced flavor profile.
The Boomerang cocktail has a well-balanced taste, with a perfect mix of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. It is refreshing and light, with a subtle hint of fruitiness from the orange liqueur.
