I have a theory about Manhattan drinkers: they're not as high maintenance as Martini drinkers. With Martinis, you’ve got gin (traditional), vodka, dry, extra dry (for those who are too afraid to just order a straight shot), dirty (with olive juice) – all of these options for what seems to be a totally simple drink. You should be able to get your drink on however you see fit, but it’s all a bit too much for me. If I’m having a cocktail – normally I take my liquor straight and brown, like my cigars – chances are it’s a Manhattan. Not because of any trend, not to be contrary, but because Bourbon, served chilled with a mix of vermouth, is damn tasty.

Why Manhattans? Because I really like bourbon. There are dozens of Bourbons made in the US, from Kentucky to Pennsylvania. Some are fermented with rye, wheat and barley malt, in combination or alone. True bourbon’s made with at least 51% corn (that’s what distinguishes it from other whiskies), is aged in charred oak barrels (this accounts for the amber color and toasty taste), and is made only in the US, like true Scotch is only made in Scotland, etc. Second, I’m not big on really sweet drinks. Bourbon’s pretty damn sweet to start with. Why make it sweeter, unless it’s in a Mint Julep (we’ll get to those closer the Kentucky Derby)? I started looking for new ways to enjoy Bourbon and eventually came to the Manhattan.

The story goes that around 1887, Jenny Jerome, Lady Randolph Churchill (as in, Winston Churchill’s mama), was having a party in NYC at the Manhattan Club and wanted a special cocktail for the night (hey, just like Lupe Fiasco!). The bartenders whipped up what is today knows as the Manhattan (named for the club). Apparently, she really dug it. This story is probably just that - a story - kind of like the one about Mikey dying from drinking Coke with Pop Rocks, but anything involving Winston Churchill and his mom, liquor, NYC's got to be worth something, right?! The drink shows up in bar books as early as 1860 with the basic ingredients: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It's been a next-level drink ever since.

Why not Bourbon and ginger? Not bad, but it reminds me of college. Jack Daniel’s and Coke? I’m not a fan of Jack  and the Coke overpowers the bourbon. Seagram’s 7 and Seven? I get the appeal, but it’s not for me (and it’s not Bourbon, but rather Canadian whiskey, which is frequently not as smooth). All of the mixers do one thing that’s kind of unnecessary for bourbon, which is to make it sweeter than it already is. The Manhattan keeps it sweet and lush, yet smooth.

So what do you do to get it smooth? It's the vermouth. The classic potion is a 2:1 ratio (see our Classic Cocktails for the recipe) of whiskey to sweet vermouth, but sweet vermouth can be almost cloying, which can overpower the Broubon. Vermouth is made from fortified white wine (typically with brandy), botanicals and usually some fruit. If you’ve never tasted sweet or dry vermouth, it's sharp, almost bitter. That's why I mix sweet and dry vermouth together for the smooth balance. The sweet vermouth takes the edge off of the Bourbon, and the dry vermouth balances the sweet out quite nicely. Feel me?  This is called a “perfect” Manhattan. If it weren’t for the rehab fees, costs for divorce, and all those lenghty AA meetings, I could drink them by the pitcher. I'm a Maker's Mark guy (made with corn, wheat, and barley), but single-batch bourbons, such as Woodford Reserve, Basil Hayden, and Knob Creek, just as well work for me. My recipe for success as follows:

Add ice to cocktail shaker, pour in bourbon and the vermouth. Shake it like a Polaroid picture and then strain it into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist (my preference) or a cherry.

Maybe it's because Bourbon has a different persona than vodka, but the Manhattan doesn't come off as a posuer drink, the way so many of those "alternative Martinis" do -- the Chocolate Martini, Peachtini, Appletini, Dorkatini. I know folks who don’t like whiskey, but they will drink a Manhattan. It’s something about the drink: It looks good in the glass, has a kick, and doesn’t say “pretentious asshole” or make you feel like a sissy when you order one. Then again, I could be wrong. But that would mean Winston's mama would be wrong, too, and you really don't want to take on the legacy of her son, now do you?  Try one and let me know.