Manhattan Island
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 25.9% ABV ∙
The Manhattan Island swaps the Manhattan's whiskey for Cognac, stirred with sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Cognac 60 mlRosso vermouth 30 mlMaraschino liqueur 5 mlAngostura aromatic bitters 3 dashes
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry on a skewer
Tips
- Stir until the mixing glass frosts on the outside, roughly 25-30 seconds; with no juice in it, the drink needs that water to go down smoothly.
- Keep the maraschino to 5 ml; even a little more and the drink turns syrupy.
History
Manhattan Island has no documented creation story of its own. It is a brandy riff on the Manhattan, swapping Cognac for the whiskey, keeping the sweet vermouth and bitters, and adding a touch of maraschino liqueur.
FAQ
How do you make a Manhattan Island?
Stir Cognac, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and Angostura bitters with ice, then fine-strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry on a skewer.
What's the difference between a Manhattan Island and a Rob Roy?
A Rob Roy is a Manhattan made with Scotch instead of rye or bourbon. The Manhattan Island replaces the whiskey with Cognac and adds a little maraschino liqueur, so it drinks softer and fruitier.
What are common mistakes when making a Manhattan Island?
Under-stirring and over-pouring the maraschino. At 25.9% ABV with no juice, the drink needs 25-30 seconds of stirring, or it tastes hot and harsh. Keep the maraschino to 5 ml; any more turns it syrupy.
