Manhattan

Friday, August 5, 2011

I hate to admit this because I feel like it lowers my cocktail street cred, but I don't generally enjoy "brown" drinks–I just can't handle the more serious burn of scotchs and whiskeys. That said, there are few things more wonderful than doing something for others, and the man I love loves a perfectly crafted Manhattan. In the spirit of generous cocktail shaking, here's a libation for the brown drinker in your life–and if that person is you, brava!


Manhattan

2 oz of rye whiskey
1 oz of sweet vermouth
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
cherry

Combine rye, vermouth and bitters in a glass with ice; stir for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, then garnish with a cherry.


Notes: If you find your cabinet lacking a rye, John adores Rittenhouse 100-proof (there's also an 80-proof, for a more relaxed evening). Sazerac Rye is a bit less spicy, so it's perfect if you're still familiarizing yourself with rye. You can also try this cocktail with bourbon if that's your brown booze of choice, or simply what you have on hand.

Most Manhattans include a super sweet Maraschino cherry; try steeping a few in maraschino liquor like Luxardo instead for a traditional perspective on the boozed-up stone fruit!

Cheers!


PS-I can't tell you how delightful it was to meet Jacin of Lovely Little Details, Allison of Engaged & Inspired, Bustle's Erin and guests of honor Steph and Robin of BubbleRock, honeymooning here on the West Coast, last night for supper and champagne cocktails. Thank you all for such a divine evening!

26 comments:

  1. i'm not a huge 'brown' drinker either...your rep is still good in my book ; )

    ReplyDelete
  2. this is one of my all time fave drinks... such a classic!!! have a lovely weekend my dear!

    ReplyDelete
  3. girl I order beers LOL. I have ZERO cred so hate away! lol {also.. mmm cherries!}

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a fabulous blogger meet up! Sounds like a creatively beautiful evening.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank hon for your kind words! :) Have a fabulous weekend, enjoy that weather out there. I will be baking in 110 degrees ;)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I may have to try this one out on my husband, he would love it. Hope you ladies had fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Boy do I need this... I need friends, food and one of this pronto.
    xoxoxox

    ReplyDelete
  8. i've never been a fan of the Manhattan, but I can appreciate this well crafted drink from afar.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I don't love brown drinks either (I'm such a girl!), but Tiho adores sipping straight up scotch and ice. That's my man ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. oh god, i can't stand whisky! i mean, i'll drink it if i have to (ha!), but i'd much rather have something a little girlier...

    http://itscohen.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Don't men just love drinks that *burn* on the way down! lol. I'll take a pina colada or a mint julep thanks! lol happy wknd dear! xo

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love going to fancy bars and ordering this. But it seems like it would be fun to stay in, wear heels and pearls and sip these all night! Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  13. definitely a classic, lena. I like how you think!

    xoxo, chrissy
    The Perfect Palette

    ReplyDelete
  14. I must say, I am with you. Brown cocktails don't float my boat but I am tempted to try a Manhattan as it seems like such a classic option.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Pepe would drink Manhattans when I was a girl. He made them without the dry vermouth. I remember them being delicious. He would let me wet my lip on the glass and each the cherry that had been soaked in the rye. Then beddie bye.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Apparently someone has been eating the boozy cherries this Friday afternoon. World, meet my wonderful and always hysterical mama, Sue!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Have a great weekend so glad you got to meet Steph & Robyn!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sounds yummy. I wish I lived in a more blogger-populated area, I'd love to meet up with someone!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have honestly never thought about the color of the drink ;)

    I think you two should open a bar.

    ReplyDelete
  20. this is a test to make sure i read the whole post ;) just kidding hehe - so happy to meet you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Teehee! You sound just like me. I'm not a huge fan of "brown drinks" either!!

    ~ Clare x

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm with you...but I'd be willing to give the Manhattan another try, simply because it looks so incredibly classy!

    ReplyDelete

 

A Crimson Kiss – Timeless Events and Classic Cocktails by Ana Degenaar : Blogger