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The Manhattan is January 9th Drink of the Day!!

January 9, 2013 | By Shaun the Bartender | Add a Comment

One thing I love about the history of different cocktails is that there really is no way of knowing what is true and not true in regards to the history of each drink. The Manhattan Cocktail, by known sources has been around at least since the 1870’s. There are several different stories on where it originated, but this one is my favorite. However, this one is probably the least likely to be the truth. But, I’ll tell it anyway…

History, or at least cocktail history from unrealiable sources, believes that the Manhattan was a drink that was invented by a Dr. Iain Marshall for a party being thrown for United States Presidential Candidate Samuel Tilden. Now, the best part of this story is the part that is the least likely; the party was supposedly hosted by a well known hostess in New York City at the time by the name of Jennie Jerome. Jennie would become Lady Randolph Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill. The reason this story may not be true is because this would be around the time Lady Randolph would have been in Paris, pregnant. Only those who were there know the true story and, well, we are a little late getting it from any of them. No matter, this is a great cocktail that has stood the test of time and for good reason. Originally made with rye whiskey, this drink is more commonly made with bourbon. After having one with the latter, I couldn’t imagine it being made any other way.

Manhattan

2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey

1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

2 Dashes of Aromatic Bitters

2 Dashes of Maraschino Cherry Juice (Optional. This is becoming a common part of the drink. You may want to ask the person you’re making it for.)

Method: Pour ingredients into a pint glass with ice. The conventional way is to stir it, but I often get asked to shake it. It matters on who’s enjoying the beverage you’re making. Strain it into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

This Day in History:

1788 - Conneticut becomes the fifth state of the United States of America.

1793 - Jean-Pierre Blanchard made the first successful hydrogen balloon flight in the United States, (Philadelphia).

1951 - The United Nations opened its World Head Quarters in New York City.

1984 - Wendy’s Restaurant began it’s famous ads featuring the elderly Clara Peller. So….”Where’s the Beef?!”

Notable Birthday: Jennie Jerome, American Socialite and mother of Winston Churchill, was born on this day in 1854.

Notable Quote: “Scotch - Because one doesn’t solve the World’s problems over white wine.” - Anonymous