Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Generally served straight up without ice, Manhattan is said to be an integral part of any mixologist’s repertoire. Considered a stiff drink, this sophisticated aperitif is said to have been created as early as the 1800s — named after the iconic club it was first served in. Particularly popular among socialites, it is deceptively easy to whip up in the comfort of your home. For a refreshing take on a classic cocktail, elevate yours with Sodastream sparkling water.

For the man or the woman who appreciates the full-bodied flavour of whiskey, a Manhattan Cocktail hits the spot, any day of the week.  The bitter notes of whiskey are mellowed by the slight sweetness of vermouth and the herbaceous notes of Angostura Bitters, combining to create a smooth-tasting drink.

Manhattan Cocktail Ingredients

50ml of rye whiskey 2 ounces

30ml of sweet vermouth 1 ounce

Angostura bitters 1 or 2 dashes

SodaStream sparkling water 500 ml

Ice

Garnish: Maraschino cherry

How to make a Manhattan Cocktail :

  1. Chill a coupe for a few minutes.
  2. Fill your bottle with cold fresh water and insert it into your SodaStream sparkling water maker.
  3. Push the button once (light fizz), twice (medium fizz) or thrice (strong fizz) based on your preferred carbonation level.
  4. Add rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, and stir well.
  5. Strain into the chilled coupe.
  6. Top up with your preferred amount of freshly-fizzed SodaStream sparkling water.
  7. Plop in a Maraschino cherry before serving.

Additional Notes:

  • Don’t own a coupe?
    While purists will insist that a coupe is the best glass to serve this cocktail in, you can use a lowball or martini glass.
  • Stir, strain, sip
    Never shake a Manhattan, or you will end up with a cloudy drink void of the burnished copper-hued, crystalline aesthetic it is synonymous with.
  • For a fruitier flavour
    Not a fan of the acrid burn and spicy notes of Angostura bitters? Orange bitters offer more sweetness and a different depth of flavour. Consider rubbing some orange peel around the rim of your serving glass for an extra aromatic, citrusy hit.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Is Manhattan a man’s drink?
Some would agree that it is, based on its high alcohol by volume content, which is usually about 39%.
What’s the story behind this drink?
According to the most famous theory, the cocktail was said to be invented in the early 1880s for a banquet thrown by the mother of Sir Winston Churchill, Lady Randolph Churchill, to honour a presidential candidate. However, other theories have debunked this.
What flavour spin-offs have since been created?
Using half-and half amounts of sweet vermouth and dry vermouth will give you the Perfect Manhattan. For a Reverse Manhattan, use 50ml of vermouth and 30ml of rye whiskey. A fan of Scotch whiskey? Swap it with rye whiskey to make a Rob Roy.
Why is Manhattan sometimes mistaken for an Old Fashioned?
Both cocktails feature similar ingredients, with the exception of its sweetening agent. Manhattan relies on sweet vermouth while Old Fashioned is made using a sugar cube or sugar syrup. Another differentiating factor? An Old Fashioned is typically served in a whiskey glass.
What else can I do to enjoy this classic cocktail more?
Maraschino cherries can be a sweet contrast to the strong drink. However, you can gently steep them in some whiskey to infuse them with extra flavour. Store the cooled extras in a glass jar, and you can refrigerate them for months.

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Sparkle Note

Using non-SodaStream cylinders is not a good idea. All our CO2 cylinders are quality tested when refilled. SodaStream gas cylinders should only be maintained and refilled by SodaStream. Unauthorized refilling of cylinders by third parties could be risky. SodaStream only warrants the safety of cylinders refilled by us, and SodaStream is not responsible for products of any other company or brand, which may damage the Sparkling Water Maker and void the warranty.