Manhattan with 1889 Aromatic Bitters

MANHATTAN WITH 1889 AROMATIC BITTERS

- 2 oz. rye whiskey (or bourbon)
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes 1889 Aromatic Bitters

Pour all liquid ingredients into a mixing glass. Add ice cubes and stir well. Strain into coupe glass. Garnish with shaved orange peel or brandied cherry.

------------

There are endless variations of this classic cocktail recipe and just as many origin stories floating around, but one thing all mixologists can agree on is the necessary inclusion of bitters. A Manhattan is just not a Manhattan without the bitters. 

In recent years, the Manhattan has enjoyed a rise in popularity in the U.S. which has coincided with an increased availability of rye whiskey. You'd be hard-pressed to find a cocktail drinker who doesn't know how to mix this classic. The 2-1-2 combination of bourbon, vermouth, and bitters is easy to remember. Just think of the Manhattan area code, (212). Truthfully, our preferred pour is closer to a  2-1-3 combination, as we tend to add an extra dash of bitters (surprise surprise). 

This cocktail base is ripe for experimentation. The many variations on this classic start to look like a tour of Brooklyn. Add Maraschino Liqueur to make a Red Hook. Add Aperol to the Maraschino and you have a Prospect Park. Or substitute Cherry Walnut Bitters, as we often do, to emphasize the sweet, woody flavors of the bourbon. The variations are almost endless, and the results are always enjoyable. How do you like your Manhattan? 

Wanna use homemade bitters like the ones we used in these recipes? Purchase one of our homemade bitters kits now!