Manhattan Cocktail - 5th Avenue Recipe

The Manhattan cocktail, a timeless classic, has an interesting history dating back to the 19th century. Originally, it's believed to have been created in the 1860s by a bartender named Black in New York City. This version of the story, which emphasizes a location on Houston Street, is considered more credible than others, such as the one involving the Manhattan Club. Here the cocktail was allegedly invented during a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome Churchill in 1874—a claim largely discredited due to timeline inconsistencies and geographical discrepancies. The Manhattan cocktail is traditionally made with rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, typically garnished with a maraschino cherry. Its name is thought to be derived simply from Manhattan, the New York Borough, reflecting its origins in this vibrant city. Over the years, the recipe for a Manhattan has seen various adaptations, influencing its "wet" or "dry" description, which depends on the ratio of whiskey to vermouth. While rye whiskey remains the traditional choice, offering a harmonious blend with sweet vermouth and bitters, bourbon presents a sweeter alternative that changes the cocktail's profile when used. This cocktail has also inspired multiple variations like the Perfect Manhattan, Dry Manhattan, and Reverse Manhattan, each adjusting the vermouth type or ratios to suit different palates​.