How Does Adding Bitters Transform the Taste of a Classic Manhattan?
If you’re a fan of whiskey cocktails, chances are you’ve had a Manhattan. It’s one of the most popular whiskey cocktails, and for good reason: it’s simple, easy to make, and delicious. But if you want to take your Manhattan to the next level, you might want to consider adding bitters.
In this post, we’ll explore how bitters can transform the taste of a classic Manhattan, and how to choose the right bitters to use. We’ll also look at some variations on the classic recipe, and the history of bitters in cocktails.
What are bitters?
Before we get too deep into the world of bitters, let’s make sure we all know what they are. Bitters are a flavored mixture of high-proof alcohol, herbs, and spices. They’re used in cocktails to add depth and complexity, balancing out the sweetness of other ingredients like syrup or juice.
Bitters were originally created as medicinal tonics, but they quickly found their way into cocktails in the 19th century. There are many different types of bitters, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some common types of bitters include:
– Angostura: This is perhaps the most well-known type of bitters. It has a spicy, aromatic flavor with notes of cinnamon and clove.
– Peychaud’s: This bitters has a more floral flavor, with hints of anise and cherry. It’s a key ingredient in the Sazerac cocktail.
– Orange: As the name suggests, this bitters has a bright, citrusy flavor. It’s often used in cocktails that feature citrus juice or peel, like a Margarita or a Mai Tai.
– Cherry: This bitters has a sweet, fruity flavor with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. It’s a great addition to cocktails that use sweeter ingredients, like a Manhattan.
How do bitters transform the taste of a Manhattan?
The classic Manhattan recipe calls for just three ingredients: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The whiskey and vermouth are combined in a 2:1 ratio, with a few dashes of bitters added for flavor. The end result is a deliciously balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, slightly bitter flavor.
But what happens when you start playing around with the bitters? The answer: a whole lot. Different bitters can completely transform the taste of a Manhattan, adding new layers of flavor and complexity.
For example, if you swap out the classic Angostura bitters for orange bitters, you’ll end up with a Manhattan that has a bright, citrusy flavor. The orange bitters complement the sweetness of the vermouth and add a refreshing note to the drink.
On the other hand, if you use cherry bitters instead of Angostura, you’ll end up with a Manhattan that’s slightly sweeter with notes of cherry and vanilla. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a Manhattan that’s a bit more dessert-like.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try using multiple types of bitters in your Manhattan. For example, you could use a few dashes of both Angostura and orange bitters to create a complex, layered cocktail with both spicy and citrusy notes.
How to choose the right bitters for your Manhattan
With so many different types of bitters available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose for your Manhattan. Here are a few tips to help you pick the right bitters:
– Consider the flavor profile of your whiskey: Different whiskeys have different flavor profiles, and your choice of bitters should complement those flavors. For example, if you’re using a rye whiskey, which has a spicy flavor, you might want to consider using Angostura bitters to emphasize those spicy notes.
– Think about the other ingredients in your Manhattan: If you’re using a really sweet vermouth, you might want to choose a bitters with a stronger flavor to balance it out. On the other hand, if your vermouth is on the drier side, a milder bitters might be a good choice.
– Experiment!: The beauty of cocktails is that there are no hard and fast rules. Don’t be afraid to play around with different bitters and see what flavors you like best.
Variations on the classic Manhattan
Once you’ve mastered the classic Manhattan recipe with bitters, you might want to start experimenting with some variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– The Perfect Manhattan: This variation on the classic Manhattan calls for equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, along with whiskey and bitters. The dry vermouth adds a crisp note to the drink, making it a great option for warm weather.
– The Black Manhattan: In this variation, the sweet vermouth is replaced with Averna, an Italian bitter liqueur. This gives the Black Manhattan a darker, more complex flavor with notes of coffee and chocolate.
– The Brooklyn: This cocktail is similar to the Manhattan, but swaps out the sweet vermouth for dry vermouth and adds a bit of Maraschino liqueur. This creates a cocktail that’s drier and more herbal than a classic Manhattan.
In conclusion, adding bitters to a classic Manhattan can completely transform the flavor of the cocktail. Whether you prefer spicy notes or citrusy ones, there’s a bitters out there for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect Manhattan.
Image Credit: Pexels