Perfect Manhattan

When I first started drinking Manhattans, I found them a hair too sweet. So I would ask bartenders to mix them with a little less sweet vermouth than normal. Finally a bartender at the hole-in-the-wall Bramble Bar & Lounge in Edinburgh, Scotland, told me that what I wanted was a “Perfect Manhattan.” I thought, “That’s cute. Yes, it is perfect, in my opinion.” Once he realized that I didn’t know what he was talking about, he explained that a Perfect Manhattan is made with equal parts dry and sweet vermouth, instead of all sweet. How appropriate: My perfect Manhattan really is Perfect.

This recipe was featured as part of our Meaty, Boozy Father’s Day Menu. We also recommend our Rob Roy cocktail.