Manhattan Family
Cocktails following the Manhattan template of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Includes the Rob Roy (Scotch), Brooklyn (rye with dry vermouth), and numerous variations.
The Manhattan Family encompasses one of the most influential and versatile cocktail templates in existence. From the original whiskey-vermouth-bitters combination, countless variations have emerged, each offering unique character while honoring the fundamental structure. The Manhattan cocktail originated in the 1870s or 1880s and established a template that has never stopped evolving. The classic formula combines American whiskey (traditionally rye), sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters, stirred and served up with a cherry garnish. This seemingly simple combination achieves remarkable complexity. The whiskey provides backbone and spice, sweet vermouth adds herbal depth and roundness, and bitters tie everything together with aromatic complexity. Replace the American whiskey with Scotch, and the Manhattan becomes a Rob Roy. Named after an 1894 Broadway operetta, this variation trades rye spiciness for Scotch malty, sometimes smoky character. Blended Scotch creates an approachable Rob Roy while single malts offer more distinct character. The Brooklyn substitutes dry vermouth for sweet and adds Amer Picon for bitterness, creating a drier, more bitter variation. The Boulevardier substitutes bourbon for gin in a Negroni, sitting firmly in the Manhattan family despite the Campari addition. New Orleans contributed the Vieux Carre, which splits the base between rye and cognac while adding Benedictine. This maximalist approach creates one of the most complex drinks in the family. Contemporary bartenders continue expanding the family. The Red Hook adds maraschino and Punt e Mes. The Black Manhattan uses Averna instead of sweet vermouth. The Little Italy combines rye, sweet vermouth, and Cynar. The Manhattan formula (base spirit plus vermouth plus bitters) invites experimentation. Swap the spirit, change the vermouth style, try different bitters, add a modifier liqueur. Each variation produces something new while remaining recognizably within the family.
💡 Pro Tips
- The classic Manhattan ratio is 2:1 spirit to vermouth but adjust to taste
- Quality vermouth matters enormously - keep it refrigerated
- Rye adds spice while bourbon adds sweetness - choose based on preference
- The cherry garnish is traditional - use quality cocktail cherries
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using stale vermouth - it oxidizes after opening
- Shaking instead of stirring - Manhattans should be clear and silky
- Using poor quality cherries when Luxardo or similar are available
- Ignoring the vast family of variations available