Classic Cocktails: Martini and Manhattan

Classic cocktails are simple, stiff, and elegant, and two classic cocktails that epitomize that description are the martini and the Manhattan. These two cocktails are very similar but also very different. Martinis and Manhattans are both served in cocktail glasses, also known as martini glasses, and both are made with a similar ingredient, vermouth. Vermouth is an aromatic fortified wine that is flavored with a variety of botanicals such as herbs, roots, barks, flowers, seeds, and spices. These two drinks differ in their main ingredient, the type of spirit that goes into either one.

The martini is one of the most iconic classic cocktails and it is quite possibly the most famous cocktail, thanks in part to James Bond, who preferred his, “shaken, not stirred.” There are many variations of the martini but the original recipe is nice and simple with just has two ingredients and a garnish. Variations call for using a few drops of Angostura bitters or vodka instead of gin but the traditional martini recipe is:

2 ½ oz gin

½ oz vermouth

1 green olive or lemon twist as a garnish

Pour the ingredients into either a mixing glass or shaker with ice cubes and stir or shake until well chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with either an olive or a lemon twist.

The Manhattan is another classic that is similar to a martini, but it is made with whiskey instead of gin. There is a debate about what kind of whiskey to use, bourbon, rye, or Canadian whiskey. The choice of which whiskey to use is ultimately up to you, the drinker. Other variations on the Manhattan include replacing whiskey with brandy or using Scotch. The original recipe is:

2 oz rye whiskey

½ oz sweet vermouth

2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

1 Maraschino cherry for garnish

The preparation is pretty much the same as the martini; pour the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes and stir until well chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the cherry.

These are two of the oldest and most classic of cocktails. Next time you’re out at a bar, try either one or try them both and compare, if you do try both just plan on not driving. Cheers!

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