The Manhattan: Here’s how to mix one up for Dad 

The latest in our Cocktail Basics series is a quintessential ‘Dad drink.’ Our guide will help you nail the mixology.

There are certain cocktails that just have a “dad” vibe. The Old Fashioned, which we wrote about last week, is certainly one. The Manhattan is another.

That’s not to say it’s just for dads. Not at all. Women across the globe have flocked to this sophisticated sipper as well, and we mixologist dads love mixing one up for them. But if you had to make a blind guess at the most popular cocktail being made on Father’s Day, the Manhattan would be a solid answer.

So, as part of our Cocktail Basics series, we’ll dive into the Manhattan (not literally). We’ll share our basic Manhattan recipe, discuss some variations from common to outlandish, and offer other tips on Manhattan mixology. And, of course, you can get all the ingredients at Mulberry MAX in Fort Collins when you’re ready to start slingin’ the booze for dad (or yourself).

The history of the Manhattan cocktail

When you order a Manhattan, you’re going for one of the OG whiskey cocktails. It’s bold, it’s classy, and it has enough attitude to hold its own in any barroom showdown. This cocktail has been turning heads (and lifting spirits) since the 1800s — and it’s still a staple for a reason.

The Manhattan was born in, you guessed it, Manhattan. The most popular origin story points to the Manhattan Club in New York City, sometime around the 1870s. Supposedly, it was created for a banquet hosted by Jennie Churchill (yes, Winston’s mom), and it was such a hit that people started ordering it by the name of the venue. Whether that story is 100% true or not, one thing’s certain: The Manhattan is a drink that’s earned its reputation.

Fast-forward to now, and the Manhattan is everywhere — from five-star cocktail bars to backyard whiskey nights. It’s a go-to for whiskey lovers who want a drink with depth and balance. The classic recipe is simple but powerful: traditionally rye, but also frequently made with bourbon, along with sweet vermouth and a couple dashes of bitters, stirred and served up with a cherry. That’s it. No fluff, no nonsense.

The result is rich, smooth and just the right amount of bitter-sweet. If you’re using a top-notch rye or bourbon, you’re in for a next-level version of the original — silky, complex and dangerously drinkable.

Whether you’re making one for Dad this Father’s Day or treating yourself to a cocktail that’s stood the test of time, the Manhattan never disappoints. Just don’t shake it. Seriously. Stir it instead to minimize dilution and maximize that amazing fusion of flavors.

Rye or bourbon? Ain’t no laws when you’re drinkin’ Manhattans

So, what’s the right whiskey to use, you ask? Purists will tell you it has to be rye, which was the spirit used in the original recipe. And we get you, purists, but we give some space for creativity, too. Because a bourbon Manhattan might just rock your world. 

The first Manhattan that really blew me away, actually, was made with Stranahan’s Single Malt whiskey, not rye OR bourbon. Point being, there’s no wrong answer: Mix one up with whatever whiskey you prefer.

Basic recipe for the best Manhattan

Variations on the Manhattan cocktail

Allow us to digress for a second. In The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, author David A. Embury dropped an interesting theory: That there are only six basic cocktail recipes you need to know, and all other cocktails are just variations on those six. Embury’s six basics are: 

• The Daiquiri
• The Jack Rose
• The Old Fashioned
• The Side Car
• The Martini
• (As you probably guessed) The Manhattan

The point being, there are many other famous cocktails that can call the Manhattan “daddy.” The Scotch-based Rob Roy. The Chartreuse-infused Greenpoint. And so many others.

Here are a few other ideas for Manhattan variations:

Change the base spirit — How about a mixture of bourbon and rye? Or single malt, as mentioned above? Or any other kind of whiskey, or even rum? We had a Manhattan at The Still in Fort Collins that used a wheated bourbon with black walnut bitters, and we immediately tried to re-create it at home. SO good.

Tweak the vermouth — One of our favorite variations is known as the “Perfect Manhattan,” which entails using a half ounce each of sweet and dry vermouth. It’s a drier, lighter version that’s pretty great. You’ll also find that different vermouths change the flavor profile quite a bit. If you lean toward the cheapest vermouth you can find, treat yourself to an upgrade and see how much that elevates your drink. (Also, always refrigerate your vermouth. It’s wine and will spoil before long if unrefrigerated.)

Replace the vermouth — This is where many variations come from. You should definitely try a Black Manhattan, which uses Averna instead of the vermouth. Basically, you can swap in all or part of any amaro or liqueur for the vermouth. Cynar, Australian Okar, Nonino … all would take your Manhattan in different directions. We’ve been pondering a tropical take: Rum, Heirloom pineapple amaro and orange bitters, maybe. And Thomas, our spirits buyer, suggests a float of limoncello atop your Manhattan. Borderline-genius take.

Try different bitters — Angostura bitters are the standard, but we have a good selection of bitters at the store. So mix and match. As in the wheated bourbon/black walnut bitters pairing above, you can create magic by finding a bitters that either complements a flavor in the spirit you use or maybe provides a contrast instead. Think cherry bitters to go with the chocolate notes of Stranahan’s Blue Peak. Or tobacco bitters to amp up the spice in your rye. The combinations are myriad and are bound to lead you to moments of stupefying goodness. 

Easy button: Grab a ready-to-drink Manhattan and call it good

We typically have some top-quality ready-to-drink Manhattans on our shelves. Check with a Mulberry MAX sales associate to help you find one that’s right for your occasion.

Mulberry MAX: Your one-stop shop for Manhattan makings

If you’re ready to shake up a stellar Manhattan for dad or whoever, Mulberry MAX is the place to get started. We have a wide assortment of whiskeys and other Manhattan ingredients, plus a friendly staff to help you pick the right combination. 
And if you like our Cocktail Basics series, share your favorite variations on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter, to learn about specials.