Manhattan vs Old Fashioned Cocktail: Choosing Your Perfect Classic Drink

Classic whiskey cocktails, like the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned, have their own loyal fan bases. Despite their popularity, people often mix them up. But trust me, each drink has its own unique flavor that’s worth getting to know.

A Manhattan combines whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, while an Old Fashioned blends whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters. Each cocktail brings its own distinct taste and story to the table.

Read on to find understand what makes these two drinks different and find out which one suits your taste best.

Key Takeaways

• The Manhattan uses whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
• The Old Fashioned combines whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters.
• Each cocktail offers a unique flavor experience.

History of the Manhattan and Old Fashioned Cocktails

The Manhattan cocktail likely first appeared in the mid-19th century. Some stories trace its origin to the Manhattan Club in New York. Though exact details are debated, it quickly became a staple.

The Old Fashioned is believed to date back to the early 1800s. It gained fame at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky. This drink captured the simplicity of early American cocktails.

Both these cocktails emerged during the 19th century. They have endured as classics, reflecting their timeless appeal.

While the Old Fashioned uses simple syrups or sugar cubes, the Manhattan’s key ingredient is sweet vermouth. This difference highlights their unique flavor profiles.

These cocktails have evolved over time and inspired countless variations and innovations.

Their cultural significance is also notable, as each drink represents a piece of cocktail history. Enjoy them as a part of your mixology journey.

What is a Manhattan Cocktail?

The Manhattan cocktail is a true mixology classic. Made with rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, it offers a rich and smooth flavor that’s hard to beat.

Known for its strong, smooth, and slightly sweet taste, the Manhattan is a favorite among whiskey lovers. The balance of these ingredients creates a rich, layered flavor that’s both robust and refined, making it perfect for any occasion.

What is an Old Fashioned Cocktail?

An Old Fashioned is a classic whiskey cocktail known for its simplicity. It’s made with whiskey, a sugar cube or simple syrup, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. A twist of citrus peel, usually orange or lemon, adds a refreshing zest.

This cocktail balances sweetness and bitterness perfectly, letting the bold flavor of the whiskey shine. It’s a classic choice that’s both simple and elegant.

What’s the Difference Between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned?

While both the Manhattan and Old Fashioned are beloved whiskey-based cocktails, they differ significantly in their ingredients, preparation, glassware, garnish, and flavor profile. Knowing these differences helps you appreciate each drink’s unique characteristics.

Ingredients

The biggest difference is in the sweeteners. The Manhattan uses sweet vermouth, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor, while the Old Fashioned relies on sugar, usually a sugar cube.

When making a Manhattan, you’ll need whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Rye whiskey is often preferred due to its spiciness, but bourbon can also be used.

For an Old Fashioned, you’ll combine whiskey, a sugar cube, bitters, and a splash of water. Bourbon is the typical choice, although rye works as well.

This difference in sweeteners and base spirits creates distinct flavors in each cocktail.

Preparation

How you prepare these cocktails adds to their unique profiles. Making a Manhattan involves stirring, not shaking. Combine the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice and stir until well-chilled, then strain into a glass.

The Old Fashioned, on the other hand, starts with muddling a sugar cube with a few dashes of bitters and a splash of water in the glass. Once the sugar is dissolved, add ice and whiskey, then stir gently.

The stirring process for the Manhattan results in a silky, smooth drink, while the muddling in the Old Fashioned allows the flavors to meld together.

Glassware

Each cocktail is typically served in a different type of glass. The Manhattan is traditionally served in a coupe glass. This enhances its elegant presentation and allows you to savor its complex aromas.

In contrast, the Old Fashioned is served in a rocks glass, sometimes called an Old Fashioned glass. This sturdy glass is perfect for muddling ingredients and holding large ice cubes.

The choice of glassware not only impacts the cocktail’s presentation but also the drinking experience.

Garnish

Garnishes add a final touch to these classic cocktails. The Manhattan is typically garnished with a brandied cherry. This not only adds a pop of color but also a sweet, fruity note.

For the Old Fashioned, an orange peel twist is the traditional garnish. Occasionally, a cherry might be added as well. The oils from the orange peel give the drink a bright, citrusy aroma.

These garnishes contribute significantly to the overall flavor and aroma of the drinks.

Flavor Profile

The flavor of a Manhattan is deep, boozy, and slightly bitter, thanks to the sweet vermouth and bitters. It’s a complex drink, offering layers of flavor with each sip.

On the other hand, an Old Fashioned is a bit sweeter, with a smooth whiskey-forward profile enhanced by the subtle citrus notes from the orange peel. The sugar and bitters balance the spirit, making it more approachable.

Understanding these flavor differences can help you decide which cocktail to enjoy, depending on your mood and taste preference.

How to Make a Classic Manhattan

Making a Manhattan is simple and satisfying. You need just a few key ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Put a coupe or martini glass in the freezer to chill.
2. In a mixing glass, combine whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.
4. Stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds.
5. Strain the drink into your chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Enjoy your classic Manhattan!

How to Make a Classic Old Fashioned

Making a classic Old Fashioned is straightforward. You’ll need a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 sugar cubes or 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 2-3 dashes of bitters
• 2 ounces of whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• Ice
• Orange peel
• Cherry (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by placing the sugar in your glass. Use an Old Fashioned glass if you have one.
2. Add the bitters. Make sure they soak the sugar.
3. Muddle the sugar and bitters together until the sugar dissolves. You can use a muddler or the back of a spoon.
4. Add a large ice cube or fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Pour the whiskey over the ice. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
6. Twist an orange peel over the drink to release its oils. You can then add it to the glass.
7. For a garnish, you can add a cherry if you like.

Enjoy the rich, smooth taste of your Old Fashioned! Experiment with different whiskeys to find your favorite version.

Flavor Profile of the Manhattan

When you take a sip of a Manhattan, the first thing you notice is the rich, robust flavor. The whiskey, often rye or bourbon, forms the base, providing a strong yet smooth taste.

Sweet vermouth adds subtle notes of sweetness and herbal complexity, balancing the whiskey’s boldness. Bitters lend a slight tang and depth, creating a harmonious blend.

Imagine a sip starting with the warmth of the whiskey, followed by the sweetness of the vermouth, and finishing with the pleasant tang of the bitters.

While garnish is optional, a cherry or a twist of orange peel can add a hint of fruitiness and make your drink look classy.

Enjoying a Manhattan means savoring a drink with layers of flavors. Each ingredient complements the others, offering a new note to discover with every sip. When mixed right, the Manhattan becomes a balanced and delightful experience. It’s a classic for a good reason.

Flavor Profile of the Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned offers a rich and balanced taste, starting with the sweetness from a sugar cube or simple syrup. This sweetness blends well with the bold flavors of whiskey.

Bitters add depth and complexity, often bringing aromatic layers of flavor. The orange or lemon peel provides subtle citrus notes, cutting through the drink’s richness. You’ll also notice a hint of toastiness from the whiskey, making each sip warm and inviting.

The dilution from the ice smooths out the strong whiskey flavors, creating a simple yet elegant combination of sweet, bitter, and citrusy elements. Each sip offers a perfect balance, making the Old Fashioned a timeless favorite.

Common Variations of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic, but there are plenty of exciting variations to try that can change up the flavor and feel of your drink.

Smoked Old Fashioned: This variation uses smoked wood chips or smoked whiskey, giving the drink a rich, smoky taste that’s perfect for adding depth.

Bourbon Old Fashioned: Swap out the standard rye for bourbon. The bourbon’s sweetness adds a smooth, round flavor that’s a favorite for many.

Citrus Old Fashioned: Add some orange or lemon zest for a bright, fresh twist. This variation gives the drink a citrusy kick that’s both refreshing and flavorful.

Maple Old Fashioned: Replace the sugar with maple syrup for a deep, slightly sweet flavor. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a touch of natural sweetness.

Rum Old Fashioned: Use dark rum instead of whiskey for a sweeter, richer drink. The rum adds a unique twist that’s both familiar and new.

Experimenting with these variations can transform your Old Fashioned experience. Try them out to discover your favorite!

Common Variations of the Manhattan

The classic Manhattan has several popular variations. Each adds a unique twist to the original recipe.

Dry Manhattan: This version skips the sweet vermouth and uses dry vermouth instead. It creates a less sweet, more crisp flavor.

Perfect Manhattan: For a balanced taste, use equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth. This combo brings together sweet and dry elements in a single drink.

Black Manhattan: Substitute Averna or another amaro for the vermouth to add a darker, richer flavor with herbal notes.

These variations offer new ways to enjoy a classic favorite.

Manhattan vs Old Fashioned: Which is Better?

Choosing between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned comes down to your personal taste. Each has its own unique charm, so there’s no definitive “better” choice.

A Manhattan has a smoother, more complex flavor, thanks to the sweet vermouth and bitters. It’s aromatic and slightly sweet, offering a layered taste experience.

An Old Fashioned is simpler and more robust. Made with sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist, it highlights the boldness of bourbon or rye.

For a polished, fancy vibe, the Manhattan is your go-to. It’s perfect for formal settings and dinners.

For a casual, relaxing drink, an Old Fashioned works well. It’s perfect for a laid-back evening.

Many bartenders suggest starting with an Old Fashioned to appreciate the spirit’s flavor fully. The Manhattan, with its botanical notes, is great for those who enjoy complex, layered drinks.

If you prefer sweeter, complex drinks, go for the Manhattan. For a boozier, citrusy option, pick the Old Fashioned.

Experiment with both to find your favorite. Tasting and enjoying the journey is part of the fun. Remember, it’s all about what you enjoy drinking.

Try different variations and tweak the recipes to suit your taste. This makes mixology both fun and personalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the key difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned?

The key difference lies in their ingredients and serving style. A Manhattan uses sweet vermouth, adding herbal or fruity notes, while an Old Fashioned uses sugar, giving it a simpler sweetness.

What does a Manhattan taste like?

A Manhattan is boozy and slightly bitter from the whiskey and bitters. It has herbal or fruity notes from the sweet vermouth, along with a touch of sweetness.

What does an Old Fashioned taste like?

An Old Fashioned is sweeter due to the sugar, with citrusy notes from the orange peel garnish and a warming complexity from the whiskey and bitters.

Can I use different types of whiskey for these cocktails?

You can use various whiskeys for these cocktails. A Manhattan traditionally uses rye whiskey, but bourbon or others can work, changing the flavor. An Old Fashioned typically uses bourbon, but rye or others can also be used, affecting the taste.

What is the difference between a Manhattan and a perfect Manhattan?

A perfect Manhattan uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, making it drier and less sweet than a classic Manhattan.