I love Autumn in New York. This particular Autumn of 2021, is very emotional for me. I’m leaving my apartment overlooking Central Park and I’m downsizing to smaller digs a few blocks away!
I’ve been going through old photos, throwing things away, and donating so much. It’s truly a time of transition. I’m nostalgic for all of the parties and cooking classes that I’ve hosted in my beautiful space. As I’m leaving my home of 15 years, I just wanted to express how blessed I feel to have been able to experience NYC living high above the Park. I hope you’ve enjoyed experiencing it with me.
Before I leave, I decided to do a series of final recipe videos in my favorite kitchen. We made plenty of cocktails, but one I particularly love is the classic Manhattan.
A Manhattan is just about as old school New York as it gets. The origin for this elegant cocktail tends to be a bit blurry after all this time. Dating back to the late 1800’s, some say it was invented at the Manhattan club in New York City, while others say it all started at the historic Hoffman House. I’m just glad someone invented this brilliant concoction!
Whether it’s a signature themed drink or a time-honored classic, I’m always fully stocked and ready to pour!
A classic Manhattan marries two parts rye or bourbon whiskey with one part sweet vermouth, a couple dashes of bitters, and a cherry to top it all off. When done right, a Manhattan should have a subtle bitterness and some herbal undertones. I like to add orange peel and Luxardo cherries to mine!
If you want to level up your cocktail game, switch from the bright red American maraschino cherries to Italian Luxardo cherries. Like the sophisticated older cousin to your average maraschino cherry, these luxurious cherries have a rich, nutty flavor and they’re soaked in a dark Marasca cherry syrup.
Check out my video below for a fun tutorial!
Ingredients
- Ice for stirring
- 4 oz whiskey
- 2 oz sweet vermouth
- 4 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Luxardo cherries
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Stir for about 30 seconds.
- Strain liquid into a cocktail glass over your ice cube of choice. Add a twist of orange peel. Garnish with Luxardo cherries.
Every cocktail lover should have their go-to Manhattan recipe on hand. Whether you adopt mine or make your own, I hope you’ll try this beautiful cocktail at home and let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Cheers and Adieu to Fifth Avenue.
Stay tuned for news of my next move.
XO,
Pamela