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Manhattan Cocktail (Sweet), Swank #50

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Sweet Manhattan cocktail
Sweet Manhattan cocktail

The Sweet Manhattan is cocktail number 50 on the Swank Cocktail Guide.

Dry Manhattan vs. Sweet Manhattan cocktail history

Almost as soon as it was created, it appears the Manhattan cocktail began to evolve as mixologists toyed with the contents. By 1900, it was a standard recipe in bartenders’ guidebooks and frequently discussed in newspapers worldwide.

George Winter, How to Mix Drinks, 1884, p. 52, Manhattan Cocktail.
George Winter, How to Mix Drinks, 1884, p. 52, Manhattan Cocktail.
"Vermouth Cocktails," newspaper article, Omaha Daily Bee (Omaha, Nebraska), 29 Dec 1886, p. 8, col. 5.
“Vermouth Cocktails,” newspaper article, Omaha Daily Bee (Omaha, Nebraska), 29 Dec 1886, p. 8, col. 5.
Official Hand-Book and Guide Bartenders’ Association of New York City, 1895, p. 32, Manhattan Cocktail.
Official Hand-Book and Guide Bartenders’ Association of New York City, 1895, p. 32, Manhattan Cocktail.
Frederick Davies’ Drinks of All Kinds for All Season, 1896, p. 27, Manhattan.
Frederick Davies’ Drinks of All Kinds for All Season, 1896, p. 27, Manhattan.
Ryan’s Liquor Shop, Bottoms Up, Ryan’s Guide to Pleasant Drinking, 1900, p. 20, Manhattan cocktails.
Ryan’s Liquor Shop, Bottoms Up, Ryan’s Guide to Pleasant Drinking, 1950, p. 20, Manhattan cocktails.

It is interesting that three versions of the Manhattan were included in Bottoms Up, Ryan’s Guide to Pleasant Drinking, ca. 1950. All three recipes include rye or bourbon and bitters. The differences:

  • Manhattan Cocktail: Italian (sweet) Vermouth
  • Dry Manhattan: French (dry) Vermouth
  • Sweet Manhattan: Same as the standard Manhattan but with additional sugar

Sweet Manhattan cocktail recipe

Sweet Manhattan cocktail recipe
Sweet Manhattan cocktail recipe

2/3 Whiskey, 1/6 Sweet Vermouth, 1/6 Dry Vermouth, 1 dash Bitters. Stir well with ice, strain, serve with Cherry.

Ingredients used:

  • Redemption Rye Whiskey
  • Dolin Dry Vermouth
  • Gallo Sweet Vermouth
  • Angostura Bitters
  • Maraschino cherry

Sweet Manhattan cocktail review

Our ratings (1-5 🍸)

Greg: 🍸🍸
Kim: 🍸🍸

Ditto to the Dry Manhattan. If you like Rye Whiskey, you’ll most likely enjoy this cocktail. We don’t so…

Next up… Cocktail # 51, Margarita

Swank Cocktail Guide: 80 cocktails in 80 days

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