Next on my classic cocktail journey is The Manhattan. It’s history seems a bit unclear, the most interesting story suggests it is Winston Churchill’s mother Lady Randolph, who we should thank for this delicious grown up cocktail.  It seems she asked for it to be made for a party at The Manhattan Club in New York, back in 1870’s,  I like the link with England however possibly just a story. as she was not in New York and pregnant at the time.

2 parts Rye Whisky
1 part sweet vermouth
1-2 dashes of bitters
ice cubes and orange peel.

Place the ice into a cocktail shaker, add the whisky, vermouth and bitters.
Give a shake as per usual.
Rub the orange peel around the rim of the glass.
Pour into a chilled glass.

I prefer mine served on the rocks as it is quite strong.
Proceed with caution, may cause wobbly legs. Drink aware etc.

Variations on a Classic Manhattan
A Dry Manhattan with dry vermouth instead of sweet.
A Perfect Manhattan equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth.
A Brandy Manhattan replacing Brandy with whiskey.

Proceed with caution, may cause wobbly legs. Drink aware etc.

I found this amazing 1960’s cocktail book called Booze, it’s brilliant psychedelic design and illustration was the inspiration for my cocktail post.
Booze – by June Dutton and Edith Vanocur, illustrated by John Astrop and Eric Hill (Determined Productions Inc., 1967).