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Grand Manhattan Drink recipe

Cocktail glass

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Grand Manhattan cocktail. This irresistible drink is made with 2.5 Mark bourbon whiskey, 1/2 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 oz Grand Marnier orange liqueur. Strain the fruit pieces with a kitchen strainer and stir using a metal straw or bar spoon for that professional touch. Impress your guests with this classic cocktail served in a sleek cocktail glass.


Grand Manhattan Ingredients

Grand Manhattan Equipment

  • kitchen strainer - dispose of fruit pieces
  • metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon

Grand Manhattan Recipe

  1. fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes
  2. shake till perfectly chilled
  3. pour into Cocktail glass

Recommend: serve in Cocktail glass

The conical shape of the cocktail glass brings to mind martini for most people. Cocktail glasses are for drinks with a volume of 3 to 6 ounces that are usually served "up" without ice.

The Grand Manhattan: A Classic Cocktail with a Twist

As a professional bartender, I've had my fair share of requests for classic cocktails. However, when it comes to the Grand Manhattan, I find myself particularly excited to mix up this timeless drink. With its rich history, unique ingredients, and endless variations, the Grand Manhattan is a cocktail that never fails to impress. In this article, we'll dive into the popularity, ingredient roles, garnishing tips, variations, and common mistakes when making this delicious drink.

Popularity

The Grand Manhattan is a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, which has been around since the late 1800s. The Manhattan is traditionally made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, and is garnished with a cherry. The Grand Manhattan, on the other hand, adds a touch of orange liqueur to the mix, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.

The origins of the Grand Manhattan are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States. It has become famous for its smooth and sophisticated taste, making it a popular choice for cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

Ingredient Roles

The key ingredients in a Grand Manhattan are bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Grand Marnier orange liqueur. The quality of these ingredients is crucial, as they each play an important role in the overall flavor of the cocktail.

Bourbon whiskey is the base of the Grand Manhattan, and its smooth and smoky flavor provides a strong foundation for the other ingredients. Sweet vermouth adds a touch of sweetness and herbal flavor to the cocktail, while Grand Marnier orange liqueur gives it a unique and delicious citrus twist.

How to Garnish

Garnishing a Grand Manhattan is simple, yet crucial. The classic garnish is a cherry, which adds a pop of color and sweetness to the cocktail. However, there are a few other garnishing tips that can take your Grand Manhattan to the next level.

First, make sure to strain any fruit pieces out of the cocktail before serving. This will ensure a smooth and consistent texture. Second, use a metal straw or teaspoon to stir the cocktail properly. If you want to be a pro, use a bar spoon, which is longer and more elegant than a regular spoon.

Finally, consider adding a twist of orange peel to the cocktail. This will add an extra burst of citrus flavor and aroma, and will make your Grand Manhattan look even more impressive.

Variations

The Grand Manhattan is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to fit a variety of tastes and dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations to try:

  • Virgin/Mocktail Version: Simply omit the bourbon whiskey and replace it with a non-alcoholic substitute, such as apple juice or ginger ale. The sweet vermouth and Grand Marnier will provide plenty of flavor on their own.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Make sure to choose a bourbon whiskey that is gluten-free, such as Woodford Reserve or Maker's Mark. Use a gluten-free sweet vermouth, such as Dolin Rouge or Martini & Rossi, and replace the Grand Marnier with a gluten-free orange liqueur, such as Cointreau.
  • Vegan Version: Make sure to choose a bourbon whiskey that is vegan-friendly, such as Bulleit or Evan Williams. Use a vegan sweet vermouth, such as Cinzano or Noilly Prat, and replace the Grand Marnier with a vegan orange liqueur, such as Solerno or Gabriel Boudier.
  • Keto Version: Use a keto-friendly bourbon whiskey, such as Wild Turkey or Buffalo Trace. Use a keto-friendly sweet vermouth, such as Carpano Antica or Punt e Mes, and replace the Grand Marnier with a keto-friendly orange liqueur, such as Torres Orange Liqueur or Patron Citronge.
  • Low-Calorie Version: Use a low-calorie bourbon whiskey, such as Jim Beam or Four Roses. Use a low-calorie sweet vermouth, such as Cocchi Vermouth di Torino or Contratto Rosso, and replace the Grand Marnier with a low-calorie orange liqueur, such as Leopold Bros. Three Pins Alpine Herbal Liqueur or Combier L'Original Triple Sec.

Common Mistakes when Making

There are a few common mistakes that can ruin the flavor of a Grand Manhattan. First, be careful not to over-stir the cocktail, as this can make it watery and dilute the flavor. Second, make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the orange liqueur, as stale or expired ingredients can ruin the flavor of the cocktail. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with the ratios of the ingredients until you find the perfect balance for your taste.

In conclusion, the Grand Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time for good reason. With its rich history, unique ingredients, and endless variations, it's no wonder that this cocktail has become a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts around the world. So why not mix up a Grand Manhattan for your next cocktail party or night in? Your taste buds will thank you.

If you are going to order Grand Manhattan in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Grand Manhattan can be served with different ingredients in different places.