Dirty Old ManhattanCocktail recipe
Rating
My palate became more refined as I got older and whisky drinks started to become more of a go-to for me. I found myself bouncing between Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, depending on the strength or flavour profile I was interested in at the time. I started mixing at home and making Old Fashioneds with different rye whiskys and different amounts of sugar and dilutions. Meanwhile I was having my girlfriend taste each one of them to provide a softer opinion with a more pedestrian palate. After I perfected the Old Fashioned I switched back to the Manhattan as I longed for the vermouth and cherry flavours again. My girlfriend, however, hated the drink. It was too strong and not sweet enough for her. Even with an increased amount of vermouth the drink was too strong. And since I enjoyed it being served ‘up’ there was no continuous dilution to slowly soften it.
I used to have to make an Old Fashioned for my girlfriend and a Manhattan for me separately. I thought that there needed to be a way to get the orange zest and sweetness out of the Old Fashioned and combine it with the vermouth and cherry of a Manhattan, therefore satisfying both palates at the same time. I present to you the Dirty Old Manhattan.
“Dirty” because it involves the orange of an Old Fashioned as well as the cherry juice that is usually a ghost of a flavour from the cherry at the bottom of a Manhattan. These two elements combined add the sweetness of the drink and provide the “dirty” element, similar to the olive juice in a martini. “Old” because it’s still partly an Old Fashioned with the accompaniment of the orange bitters and orange zest.
Enjoy this modern take on a combination of these iconic classic cocktails ~ Jason Hand
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Ingredients
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Method
How to make a Dirty Old Manhattan
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- Pour the rye whisky into a cocktail shaker
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- Combine with the fresh orange juice, Antica vermouth, cherry juice, and bitters
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- Fill with ice and shake vigorously for about six seconds
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- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Take an orange rind and spritz a good amount of orange perfume around the rim of the glass
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- Garnish with the orange rind and a cherry, and serve
Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
Why is the Dirty Old Manhattan cocktail shaken and not stirred?
The Dirty Old Manhattan cocktail is shaken instead of stirred to achieve a well-chilled texture and to ensure that the diverse ingredients, particularly the cherry and orange juices, are thoroughly mixed. Shaking introduces more dilution and aeration, giving the drink a slightly frothy consistency which enhances its taste and presentation.
Can I use a different type of whiskey instead of rye in the Dirty Old Manhattan?
Yes, you can use a different type of whiskey for the Dirty Old Manhattan if you prefer. Bourbon is a common substitute, offering a sweeter and fuller-bodied flavor compared to the spicy and fruity notes of rye whiskey. However, keep in mind that substituting the whiskey type will slightly alter the drink's traditional taste profile.
What are some garnishing ideas for the Dirty Old Manhattan?
For garnishing the Dirty Old Manhattan, consider using a twist of orange peel or a maraschino cherry to enhance the citrus and cherry notes in the drink. You could also try a thin slice of orange or a couple of fresh cherries on a skewer for a more visually striking presentation. These garnishes add a touch of elegance and can help balance the drink's flavors.
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