The History of the Manhattan Cocktail

The history of the Manhattan cocktail goes back to 19th century Manhattan and here's the story of the Manhattan, who invented it, and a classic cocktail recipe.

The history of the Manhattan cocktail can certainly be traced back to New York's Manhattan in the late 19th century, but the exact details are not known for sure.

Was the Manhattan Invented at The Manhattan Club?

The Manhattan Club in New York claims the cocktail was first created in 1874 for a banquet held by Jennie Jerome to honor the politician, Samuel J. Tilden. Tilden, the Governor of New York, famously won the popular vote but lost the 1876 presidential election.

However, 1874 was also the year Jennie Jerome married Lord Randolph Churchill. Their first child, Winston, would go on to become the legendary British Prime Minister. Historical records suggest Lady Churchill was in Europe during the banquet, casting doubt on this origin story.

Who Invented the Manhattan Cocktail?

Another account comes from William F. Mulhall, a bartender at the famous Hoffman House. He claimed the drink was actually invented in the 1860s by a bartender named Black at a nearby bar on Broadway.

Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 cl Rye whiskey
• 2 cl Sweet red vermouth
• Dash Angostura bitters

While rye is the traditional choice, modern variations are endless. You can use bourbon for a sweeter profile, or try high-quality moonshine to create a "Blonde Manhattan." If you swap the American rye for Scotch, you’ve crafted a Rob Roy.

by Mike Gerrard

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