Food - Drink
The Real Reason Rye Whiskey Is Perfect For A Manhattan
By RYAN CASHMAN
Rye whiskey has been an American staple since the early days of the country, when the rejection of British culture during the American Revolution led to its development. This New World spirit was the drink of choice for Americans from the end of the Civil War till prohibition, and it was during this peak in popularity that the Manhattan was born.
While the exact origins of this classic cocktail remain a mystery (the mother of Winston Churchill may have been involved!), the key three ingredients of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters remain the same. With so few ingredients, the whiskey will really stand out — and rye whiskey will stand out even more.
Being a stronger drink than your typical Bourbon, rye complements the Manhattan's vermouth and bitters well while still maintaining its own presence. This is all a matter of taste, of course, but if you were never quite sold on the Manhattan, we suggest you rye it up the next time you're out on the town.