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Manhattan Recipe

Manhattan’s are another one of our favorite classic cocktails. Dark, smooth liquor is both warming and relaxing, perfect for chilly nights.

Manhattans haven’t always been on our go-to drink list, though. In fact, one of our partners, Jan, inspired us to share this recipe! Before finding whiskey, Jan’s favorite drink was a dirty martini with two olives. But, over time, she started to try more and more dark liquors and found herself loving them even more. And whiskey and bourbon drinkers know that once you get hooked, there is no going back.

Now, Jan’s favorite cocktail is a Manhattan, and here’s why:

Making a Manhattan is fairly simple and only requires a few ingredients. You’ll need:

-Rye or bourbon (more on that below)

-Sweet Vermouth

-Bitters

-Cocktail cherry

When it comes to making a Manhattan there are only a few decisions to make, but the details can make all the difference. When you consider that there are only four ingredients, you have to make every ingredient count.

First off is your choice of liquor – you can make a Manhattan with bourbon or rye, but we lean towards the bourbon side! Bourbon will result in a slightly sweeter and smooth drink, while rye provides more spice and a drier finish.

A good option is always Makers Mark, but there are also some great local Seattle labels that we love using. Our favorite has to be the Batch12 Bourbon from Heritage Distillery in Gig Harbor. It’s truly unique and it’s amazing in a Manhattan!

You will also need sweet vermouth and bitters. We like using orange Angostura bitters for this drink, but unflavored bitters will work as well.

The last ingredient is an important one – the cherry. Go for a real cocktail cherry packed in sugared bourbon. We promise you will taste the difference! We like this one. Sweet, pink maraschino cherries from the grocery store just won’t do.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon

1 oz sweet vermouth

3 dashes Angostura orange bitters

Cocktail cherry, for garnish

Recipe

1.Add bourbon, vermouth, and bitters to a glass with ice. Use a cocktail shaker or stir until chilled

2. Strain into a chilled glass

3. Top with a cherry or two for garnish

Let us know if you make this recipe! Take a picture of your creation and tag us @partyontherocksseattle. Check out some of our other great recipes below!

Champagne Cocktail: The French 75

How are you ringing in the holiday season? We have you covered with this classic champagne cocktail that will have you coming back time and again.

The French 75 is a delightfully simple cocktail that is full of class. It is always on our go-to list for engagement parties, weddings, New Years Eve – you name it.

This prohibition-era favorite is smooth, clean, and refreshing. Gin, lemon, and champagne combine for a bubbly concoction that is perfect over brunch, before dinner, or throughout the evening.

We love to make it with brut champagne, but you can also tailor to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sparkling wine try a Moscato, or go with extra brut for a dryer finish. You can even substitute a Rosé champagne for a splash of color!

 

The secret to the French 75? Cold ingredients! Make sure the champagne and gin are ice-cold, we suggest you even chill your glasses! This gives it the fresh, crisp taste that will keep you coming back for more.

What You’ll Need

  • 1.5 oz Gin
  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 0.5 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
  • 4 oz Champagne
  • Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions

For the simple syrup

Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.   

For the French 75

  1. Using zester or paring knife, slice peel from lemon in long, thin spiral. Set aside
  2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker*. Add ice and shake for 20 seconds
  3. Strain into chilled champagne flute and top with sparkling wine
  4. Curl lemon peel around your finger to create a twist. Garnish drink and serve immediately!

 

*If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, add gin and simple syrup to a glass first and mix well. Then add ice, stir 20-30 seconds, and strain into your glass.

 

 

Let us know if you make the French 75! Take a picture and tag us @partyontherocksseattle. Stay tuned for other great recipes coming soon!