Classic Cocktail How To: The Manhattan and the Rob Roy

The Manhattan is the cocktail that can best show what rye whiskey can do. It was invented in honor of the election of New York Governor Samuel Tilden in 1874.

The classic recipe features a 2:1 ratio of rye to vermouth, stirred in a mixing glass, then strained into an iced martini glass. Variations include a perfect Manhattan, made with equal parts dry and sweet vermouth, and a Rob Roy, which is made with scotch, recipe below.

Manhattan

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth (or 1/2 oz each dry and sweet for a perfect Manhattan)
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino or Bourbon cherry, for garnish

1. Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass full of ice and stir fifty times with a cocktail spoon.

2. Strain into a chilled martini glass, or into an iced old-fashioned glass if “on the rocks.”

3. Garnish with a cherry.

Rob Roy

• 2 oz scotch
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes bitters, preferably Peychaud’s
• Lemon zest, for garnish

Mix as above, and garnish with lemon