The truth is no one knows who or where the Manhattan Cocktail was invented. In truth, it does not matter. I want to share the Balcones Rye Manhattan with you. I do feel some history is appropriate.

The Manhattan Cocktail

According to Wikipedia, a popular history suggests that the drink originated at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the early 1870s, where it was invented by Dr. Iain Marshall for Lady Randolph Churchill, mother of Winston in honor of presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden. The success of the banquet made the drink fashionable, later prompting several people to request the drink by referring to the name of the club where it originated—” the Manhattan cocktail”. Other articles and Wikipedia claim this to be a myth since Lady Randolph was pregnant and not in New York.

There are stories of other bartenders and bars involved in the creation, but the actual story is dust in the wind. Regardless of the who, when, where and how of the invention we know it is a classic made with rye whiskey.

Balcones Rye Manhattan

I stumbled upon this magnificent creation by accident. Rarely am I in the mood for a Manhattan, but I felt the urge. As one does I grabbed a rye whiskey and proceeded to make the Manhattan cocktail.

Expecting a traditional Manhattan, I received a surprise when I tasted the cocktail. The Balcones Rye is a bold whisky with hints of dark chocolate and espresso. The flavors of the whisky mixed with the sweet vermouth and bitters create an elegant cocktail. One that tastes of chocolate covered cherries.

I am not a sweet whiskey or cocktail person so I can only do one, two if I’m feeling froggy, but it is worth checking out. It is also a good cocktail for those that are not whiskey fans.

Here is a quick video on how to make it!

If you are not a Manhattan fan check out the Andalusia Old-Fashioned.