I had planned to be there for only a short while and needed something to give me a kick, something to stir the consciousness. Beer wouldn’t do it but a Manhattan would — a classic that gets the job done. The attractive waitress purred rye or bourbon? Wild Turkey Rye please.

This classic originated from its namesake, Manhattan, during the 1870’s. It carries the legacy as one of the earliest cocktails created, bringing with it a bold flavor heavy on attitude and elegance. Popularized by upper class Manhattanites and celebrities during the 50’s and 60’s, its slipped into the background but shouldn’t be ignored.

There are many methods to make a Manhattan, but the basic, traditional model can never go wrong, the other variations based on personal preference. A Manhattan is a combination of Angostura bitters, Italian vermouth and rye whiskey. Some prefer bourbon, but go with rye (Wild Turkey, Canadian Club, Crown Royal, Old Overholt) as the foundation. Otherwise it’s too sweet, no longer having the combination which contrasts perfectly with each other. The bold rye whiskey is slightly masked by the sweet vermouth, the bitters adding a punch. It’s shaken with ice, poured into a chilled cocktail glass and garnished with a cherry. Some prefer it on the rocks, served in an old fashioned glass.

Here’s how you can have one at home:

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 ounce Italian sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• glass type: cocktail or old fashioned

We’ll recommend a libation now and then, to help get you through that situation that may require something stronger or bolder than your usual choice of brew. If you have any recommendations, please let us know.

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The bourbon (Maker’s Mark) came through clearly, but wasn’t overwhelming as the sweetness masked the bitterness, garnished with an orange and cherries. It went down easy, leaving me with a gradually building buzz. Yes, this was the right choice, so we ordered another.

Later, I uncovered the magic ingredients, dating back to the 1880’s from Louisville, Kentucky. Straightforward, simple, forgotten in the mind’s of many and reinterpreted many times over. Sometimes, it’s nice to take down a classic, something different from the regular lineup, a refreshing step back from modern boredom. Nostalgia never tasted so good.

And now, you can have one too. Here are the drink’s recipe for success:

• Whiskey or Old Fashioned glass
• 1 sugar cube or a teaspoon of crushed sugar
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Add some water to dissolve the sugar, now mix
• Add 3 or 4 ice cubes
• 2 ounces of bourbon or if desired, rye
• Stir and add garnish, twist. Some prefer orange or cherries or both

Now kick back, have an interesting conversation with the brunette and you’re good to go. We’ll recommend a good libation every now and then to help freshen up your rotation. If you have any recommendations, feel free to let us know.

Return to our homepage to learn more about custom dress shirts.