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The Manhattan is June 7th Drink of the Day!!

June 7, 2013 | By Shaun the Bartender | Add a Comment

Before I get into this drink, I need to say something that many in my occupation have seemed to have forgotten. So, for me, I think it’s very important to say. As time goes by and a drink gets to be several generations old, there are things that change on how the drink is made. When I make cocktails, I make them so the home entertainer understands that there is a simple way of making it. Is it the right way? In my opinion, the only right way to make a drink is for that person who is calling for it. My way is just the foundation of what I know. It doesn’t matter that if it is right or wrong. It is up to the customer to give you that answer.

I have been making drinks for nearly thirty years and have been fortunate enough to work in every type of bar imaginable - from the places that you wouldn’t take your mother in, to the places you couldn’t afford to take your mother in. In all of these places, in every part of the country I have worked, one thing is the same; if you want to have a strong and loyal clientele, you will do what is asked of you by the customer when a drink is called.

The Manhattan is a drink that has been around for nearly 150 years. It has changed and evolved into what I am going to show you today. Originally, this drink was made with rye whiskey, but has been replaced with the sweeter bourbon variety of whiskey. I will be showing you the “up” version of this drink. Yes, I will shake it. Some of my brothers and sisters out there will shrill at the thought of this. But, like I said, I am giving you this option. Just like the martini, there are various ways to prepare this drink, just like there are other ways to prepare many others. I hope you enjoy, and if you are a bartender who is reading this, be open on how to prepare a drink. You will have a busier and happier bar by being so.

The Manhattan

1 1/2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey

3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth

Splash of Maraschino Cherry Juice

2 Dashes of Angotura Bitters

Method: In a shaker filled with ice, pour in the measured ingredients. Cap off and shake well, then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

This Day in History:

1776 - Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution to the Continental Congress proposing a Declaration of Independence.

1892 - African American Homer Plessey was arrested for refusing to remove himself from a “Whites Only” seat on the train. His case would go all the way to the Supreme Court.

1929 - Vatican City became a sovereign state.

2003 - Reverend V. Gene Robinson became the first openly gay bishop to be elected to the church of Episcopalians.

Notable Birthday:

English singer, Tom Jones, was born on this date in 1940.

Notable Quote:

“For those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - George Santayana