We challenge you to name a drink and a city that both capture the global standard of elegance, sophistication, and high status. 

If you haven’t guessed by now, we’re talking about none other than New York City itself, and the timeless Manhattan cocktail. This drink helped to lay the foundations in which modern cocktails currently stand. 

Made with bitters, vermouth, and whiskey, the Manhattan has solidified itself as the Godfather of the aromatic cocktail family. 

The Classic Recipe

Ingredients:

How To:

1. Pour all the ingredients into a stiring glass or a tall glass full of ice
2. Stir the drink until it’s cold and diluted after taste
3. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry

 

The History of the Manhattan Cocktail

Like so many late 19th century cocktails, the origin of the Manhattan has for the most part been lost in time. Allowing for creative stories to be passed down from generation to generation. 

The most popular theory for how the Manhattan came to be, dates back to the early 1880s. 

Legend has it that a doctor by the name of Iain Marshall came up with the recipe for a party that was held at the Manhattan Club in New York City by Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill’s mother.

This story has come under scrutiny over the years, as sources cite that the time in which Lady Churchill was said to have held the party overlaps the date in which she herself was pregnant with the future Prime Minister. 

Despite the disputes, there is no solid evidence to either confirm or deny the credibility of this story. However, to this day, the Manhattan Club lays claim to the ownership of the recipe.

A more obscure story of the Manhattan’s origin tells of a mysterious man known only by the name “Black”, who invented the cocktail at the famed Hoffman House in New York City.

Whichever story you choose to believe, one thing remains undeniable. If you pull up a stool and order a Manhattan, you’re in for a strong yet sweet flavor and some interesting bartender trivia. 

The Manhattan Recipe

The earliest written records of the Manhattan feature a far different recipe than is used in modern-day Manhattans. This early recipe cites the use of Gomme syrup, absinthe, bitters, whiskey, and vermouth. 

The Manhattan recipe has evolved over time, starting out with whiskey then switching to Canadian Rye during the prohibition, and even incorporating bourbon at one point, this cocktail’s recipe is as versatile as it is simple.

If you want to make yourself the quintessential, classic version of the Manhattan, you’ll only need three ingredients. 

Mix two shots of the whiskey, rye, or bourbon of your choice, along with one shot of sweet vermouth and three dashes of bitters. Stir thoroughly in the mixing glass and serve in a chilled cocktail/Martini glass. Finally, garnish with either a cherry or orange peel. 

Our Manhattan Collection

We knew that our cocktail-themed clothing line would not be complete without one key element. 

“Wish Fulfillment”

No other city surrounds you with things you can’t have while charming you into thinking you can have them like New York City. 

And no other cocktail shouts sophistication, idealism, and wish fulfillment like the Manhattan. 

Our Manhattan collection embodies the style, elegance, and charm of the Manhattan cocktail and Manhattan itself to take your fashion game to the next level. 

Welcome to the city that never sleeps!