Legend has it that in 1874, a bartender at the Manhattan Club created this drink when Jennie Churchill (mother of Winston) threw a party for her father's friend Samuel Tilden just after he was elected governor of New York. The formula for the Manhattan is three or four parts whiskey to one part sweet or dry vermouth. For the perfect Manhattan, both sweet and dry vermouth are used. Since New York was a rye town in those days, the original Manhattan was made with rye whiskey. Nowadays Manhattans are often made with bourbon, although it is still the quintessential rye cocktail. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, brandy Manhattans are the custom. Down south, bourbon Manhattans are the choice. One of the most famous spin-offs is the Rob Roy.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces blended whiskey
• 1 ounce Italian sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions

1. Pour all ingredients over ice in a mixing glass and stir as you would a martini.

2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Note: If you prefer a dry Manhattan, use dry vermouth and garnish with a lemon peel.