Let’s take a deep breath and dive into one of the most rewarding and richest of historic cocktails - the Manhattan - blessed be the fruit (cherry, lemon or orange twist). There are three mainstays at the top of this family tree - Sweet Manhattan (also commonly known as a Manhattan), Dry Manhattan or Perfect Manhattan. A Manhattan is whisky (usually Rye or Bourbon) mixed with vermouth and bitters. If you use dry vermouth it becomes a Dry Manhattan, if you use sweet (unsurprisingly) it’s a Sweet Manhattan and if you use a combo of the two it’s perfect. We’re partial to a Sweet Manhattan - there is something about the fructose hit of sweet vermouth that buoys whisky. But heaven forbid you take our word for it - try them for yourself.

Ingredients:

• 45ml Rye Malt Whisky

• 15ml sweet vermouth

• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters (and we’re talking proper dashes here, not drops)

Method:

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass, stir until chilled, strain into a chilled coupette glass, garnish with an orange twist or a cherry.

This drink is there to play with, find your own ratio - if you find the ABV of Rye Malt Whisky confronting you may prefer a 40ml/20ml ratio, or some additional dilution. Whatever you end up with, we think you’re going to be as delighted as we are.