Mixology at Home - Manhattan

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - What are the most popular cocktails in America, and in South Dakota?

Using Google Trends, an online betting site (minnesotabets.com) claims to have found each state’s favorite cocktail. In South Dakota and Wyoming, as well as the country overall, the Manhattan supposedly rules.

Full disclosure: Who knows if this list is accurate? But it’s fun and gives me the opportunity to make a classic cocktail on Mixology at Home.

The Manhattan was reportedly first mixed in the 1880s, appropriately in a Manhattan, NY, bar called the Manhattan. But who really knows for sure.

The original is two ounces of whiskey, an ounce of sweet vermouth, a couple of dashes of aromatic bitters and a maraschino cherry.

For the whiskey, do you use rye or bourbon? Some purists say rye but honestly, mix the drink to your taste, using the spirit you want. I use either, depending upon my taste at the time I mix. You can also add some syrup, change the bitters, maybe a little liquor as well. The Manhattan doesn’t always have to be traditional.

In this drink, I’m using a Middle West Ported Pumpernickel Rye. I’ve only sipped this neat, never in a cocktail before so this Manhattan should taste different than my usual.

In a mixing glass with ice, add the whiskey, vermouth and bitters, stir to mix and chill; then strain into a martini or coup glass, and garnish with a cherry.

What’s number 2 in the USA? My personal favorite, the Old Fashioned, followed by the classic Martini. South Dakotans supposedly prefer the Whiskey Sour over the Old Fashioned, however.

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