When you think of America what do you envision? The Statue of Liberty? The flag with 50 stars and 13 stripes? President Theodore Roosevelt? What if we told you there was an even tastier, boozier American icon that predates all of these?

 

It’s 1880s New York. Air conditioning hasn’t been invented yet. The first ever Labor Day is being celebrated. Enter, the Manhattan, stage left. Sometimes attributed to Winston Churchill’s mother (though this has been largely debunked) the Manhattan is a whiskey-forward cocktail whose recipe has remained largely unchanged across the centuries.

 

If you’re a whiskey lover, chances are you’ve sipped your fair share of Manhattans. If you haven’t, here’s how to make one for yourself!

 

 

How to Make a Manhattan

 

You’ll need:

  • 2 ounces of rye whiskey
  • 1 ounce of sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes of  bitters
  • Lemon twist or cherry, whichever you’re in the mood for!

 

Step 1: Add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until combined.

Step 2: Strain into your glass.

Step 3: Add your garnish of choice.  

 

Does your recipe look like this? Let us know if you have any tweaks in the comments below!