Indulge in the wild flavors of the South with our Wild Southern Manhattan drink recipe! Made with 2 oz Bourbon, 1-1/4 oz Southern Comfort, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters, this cocktail is perfect for any occasion. Top it off with a maraschino cherry garnish and serve in a rocks glass. Pro tip: stir it properly with a metal straw or bar spoon for the ultimate taste experience. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make, delicious drink today!
Wild Southern Manhattan Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1-1/4 oz Southern Comfort
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- dash Angostura bitters
- garnish maraschino cherry
Wild Southern 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
Wild Southern Manhattan Recipe
- fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
- shake till perfectly chilled
- prepare Rocks glass full with ice
- if preferred, serve with a maraschino cherry as a garnish
Recommend: serve in Rocks glass
It's also called a "lowball", "whiskey" or "old-fashioned" glass. The bottom of old-fashioned glass is thick. Rocks glasses carry between 6 and 8 ounces.The Wild Southern Manhattan: A Classic Cocktail with a Twist
If you're a fan of classic cocktails, then you must have heard of the Manhattan. But what if we told you there's a twist to this popular drink that will leave your taste buds begging for more? Enter the Wild Southern Manhattan, a cocktail that's quickly gaining popularity among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Popularity
The Manhattan is believed to have originated in the late 1800s in New York City, making it a true American classic. Traditionally made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, the Manhattan has been a favorite among cocktail drinkers for over a century. The Wild Southern Manhattan, however, adds a unique twist to this classic by incorporating Southern Comfort, a peach-flavored liqueur that adds a hint of sweetness to the drink.
In terms of appearance, the Wild Southern Manhattan looks similar to its classic counterpart, with a deep amber color and a maraschino cherry garnish. However, the addition of Southern Comfort gives the drink a slightly lighter hue and a subtle peach aroma.
Ingredient Roles
To make a Wild Southern Manhattan, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1-1/4 oz Southern Comfort
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry
The Bourbon is the star of the show, providing a strong and robust flavor to the drink. The Southern Comfort, on the other hand, adds a sweet and fruity note that complements the whiskey perfectly. The sweet vermouth helps to balance out the flavors and adds a touch of herbal bitterness. Finally, the Angostura bitters add complexity and depth to the drink, tying all the flavors together.
How to Garnish
A great cocktail is not just about the taste but also the presentation. To garnish your Wild Southern Manhattan, start by placing a maraschino cherry at the bottom of a rocks glass. Next, fill the glass with ice, and strain the cocktail mixture into the glass. Finally, use a metal straw or teaspoon to stir the drink properly. If you want to take your cocktail game to the next level, use a bar spoon to stir the drink instead.
Variations
The Wild Southern Manhattan is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some variations you can try:
- Virgin/mocktail version: To make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail, simply omit the bourbon and replace the Southern Comfort with peach-flavored syrup. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
- Gluten-free version: All the ingredients in the Wild Southern Manhattan are gluten-free, so this cocktail is safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Vegan version: The Wild Southern Manhattan is already vegan-friendly, as none of the ingredients used are derived from animals.
- Keto version: To make a keto-friendly version of this cocktail, use sugar-free simple syrup instead of sweet vermouth and replace the maraschino cherry with a fresh cherry or a lemon twist.
- Low-calorie version: To reduce the calorie count of this cocktail, use a low-calorie sweetener like Stevia instead of sweet vermouth and skip the cherry garnish.
- More variations: The Wild Southern Manhattan is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to suit different tastes. You can experiment with different types of whiskey, substitute the sweet vermouth with dry vermouth, or add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy kick.
Common Mistakes when Making
Making a great cocktail requires attention to detail and careful execution. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making a Wild Southern Manhattan:
- Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients you use will determine the quality of your cocktail. Use high-quality bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters for the best results.
- Over-stirring the cocktail: While it's important to stir the cocktail to combine the ingredients, over-stirring can dilute the drink and make it less flavorful.
- Using too much ice: Adding too much ice to the drink can water it down and dilute the flavors. Use just enough ice to chill the drink without watering it down.
- Not straining the cocktail: Failing to strain the cocktail can result in a drink that's too pulpy and unpleasant to drink. Use a kitchen strainer to remove any fruit pieces or debris from the cocktail.
In conclusion, the Wild Southern Manhattan is a classic cocktail with a twist that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails or looking for something new to try, this drink is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why it's quickly becoming a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike?
If you are going to order Wild Southern Manhattan in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Wild Southern Manhattan can be served with different ingredients in different places.
