Unleash Your Inner Mixologist with Sherman: The Perfect Sweet and Smoky Cocktail. Made of 18-year-old Whisky, Sweet Vermouth, and a dash of Absinthe and Bitters for a sensational taste. Serve in a Martini Glass and be the talk of the party. Learn how to make this cocktail like a pro with our easy recipe!
Sherman Ingredients
- 60 ml Vermouth Sweet
- 30 ml Whisky Sullivans Cove 18year
- 10 ml Absinthe Head Heart And Tales
- 10 ml Bitters
- 100 ml Ice
Sherman Equipment
- kitchen strainer - dispose of fruit pieces
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
Sherman Recipe
- fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
- shake till perfectly chilled
- strain into martini glass without ice
Recommend: serve in Martini glass
The Manhattan: A Classic Cocktail with Endless Variations
As a professional bartender, I can attest that the Manhattan cocktail is a timeless favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. This drink is typically made by combining sweet vermouth, whiskey, and bitters, and then garnishing it with a cherry. Its origins date back to the late 1800s, and it has since become a staple in bars across the world. In this post, we will delve into the popularity of the Manhattan, its ingredients, variations, common mistakes when making it, and how to garnish it properly.
Popularity
History and Origins
The Manhattan is said to have originated at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the late 1800s. However, there are several other accounts of its origins, including one that suggests it was invented by a bartender at Hoffman House in the same city.
Regardless of its origins, the Manhattan quickly gained popularity and became a favorite among New York's elite. It is now considered a classic cocktail and is often featured on menus in bars and restaurants worldwide.
Famous For
The Manhattan is famous for its rich flavor and smooth finish. Its combination of sweet vermouth, whiskey, and bitters creates a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness that many cocktail enthusiasts love. It is also known for its simple yet elegant appearance, which makes it a great choice for any occasion.
Geographic
The Manhattan has become a popular cocktail worldwide, but it is still most commonly associated with New York City. Many bars and restaurants in the city have their own unique variations of the classic recipe, making it a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast visiting the city.
Ingredient Roles
To make a classic Manhattan, you will need the following ingredients:
- 60 ml sweet vermouth
- 30 ml whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 10 ml bitters
- 10 ml absinthe
- 100 ml ice
Sweet Vermouth
Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavored with various botanicals. It is a key ingredient in the Manhattan and is responsible for providing sweetness and depth to the cocktail. When choosing a sweet vermouth, look for one that is of high quality and has a complex flavor profile.
Whiskey
Whiskey is the backbone of the Manhattan cocktail. It provides a rich, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet vermouth and bitters. When choosing a whiskey, you can use either bourbon or rye, depending on your preference. Both provide a distinct flavor profile that can add depth and complexity to the cocktail.
Bitters
Bitters are a concentrated flavoring that is made by macerating various herbs, fruits, and spices in alcohol. They are used in small amounts to add depth and complexity to cocktails. In the Manhattan, bitters provide a subtle bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the vermouth.
Absinthe
Absinthe is a distilled spirit that is flavored with various botanicals, including anise, fennel, and wormwood. It is used in small amounts in the Manhattan to add a subtle hint of anise flavor and complexity to the cocktail.
How to Garnish
Garnishing a Manhattan is simple and can be done in a few different ways. The most traditional way is to garnish the cocktail with a cherry. You can also add a twist of lemon or orange peel for added flavor and aroma.
To properly garnish a Manhattan, follow these steps:
- Pour the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Place a cherry on a cocktail pick and rest it on the edge of the glass.
- If desired, add a twist of lemon or orange peel to the cocktail.
For a more professional touch, use a bar spoon to gently stir the cocktail before garnishing. This will help to evenly distribute the ingredients and create a smooth, balanced flavor.
Variations
The Manhattan is a versatile cocktail that can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary restrictions. Here are a few popular variations:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a non-alcoholic version of the Manhattan, simply omit the whiskey and absinthe and replace them with non-alcoholic alternatives. For example, you can use non-alcoholic whiskey and absinthe substitutes from brands like Ritual Zero Proof and Lyre's.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
The Manhattan is naturally gluten-free, but it is important to choose a whiskey and vermouth that are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. Brands like Tito's and Jack Daniel's offer gluten-free whiskey options, and Carpano Antica and Martini & Rossi offer gluten-free vermouth.
Vegan Version
The Manhattan is already vegan-friendly, but it is important to choose a vermouth that is free of animal products. Brands like Martini & Rossi and Carpano Antica provide vegan-friendly vermouth options.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly Manhattan, use a sugar-free sweet vermouth alternative, like La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Blanc, which is sweetened with stevia. You can also replace the cherry garnish with a twist of lemon or orange peel.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a lower-calorie Manhattan, use a low-calorie sweet vermouth alternative, like Cocchi Americano, which has only 40 calories per serving. You can also use a low-calorie whiskey, like Crown Royal, which has only 96 calories per serving.
Common Mistakes When Making
Making a Manhattan is relatively simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and balance of the cocktail. Here are a few to avoid:
Over-Shaking or Stirring
Over-shaking or stirring a Manhattan can cause it to become watered down and lose its flavor. To avoid this, use a metal straw or teaspoon to stir the cocktail gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Using Poor-Quality Ingredients
Using low-quality ingredients can greatly affect the flavor and balance of the Manhattan. Choose high-quality sweet vermouth, whiskey, and bitters to ensure a rich, complex flavor.
Using the Wrong Ratio of Ingredients
The classic Manhattan recipe calls for a 2:1 ratio of whiskey to sweet vermouth. Using too much or too little of either ingredient can throw off the balance of the cocktail.
In conclusion, the Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. With its rich flavor and simple yet elegant appearance, it is a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. By following the proper ingredient roles, garnishing techniques, and avoiding common mistakes, you can make a delicious Manhattan that will impress even the most discerning cocktail connoisseur.
If you are going to order Sherman in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Sherman can be served with different ingredients in different places.