5 Ingredients or Fewer

Bubbly Manhattan

by:
October 30, 2009
4
4 Ratings
Photo by James Ransom
  • Serves You, you lush
Author Notes

As the name suggests, this is a variant on the traditional Manhattan, with a good, bitter IPA standing in for the traditional dash of bitters. The bubbles are just an added bonus. I don't shake the beer together with the whiskey and vermouth, because I it loses just a bit of that effervescence that you're adding the beer for -- so I pour it into the glass at the same time as straining the whiskey. I also think that an orange slice brings out the flavors of the whiskey better than the traditional maraschino cherry, and has the added benefit of looking like something that exists naturally on the planet Earth. You can up the ante a bit by substituting a sliced kumquat for the orange slice. - Collin —Collin

Test Kitchen Notes

Usually when you drink a Manhattan, all the warmth comes from the hit of booze, but here a nutty and bitter IPA gives the drink depth and a warming feeling throughout. Collin uses the beer to replace the classic bitters and in doing so gives the drink a little fizz, a little life we think. Drink it cold as can be -- if you're up to it, chill the rye and vermouth before assembling. - A&M —The Editors

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Ingredients
  • 2 ounces good rye whiskey (which of course you have on hand, right?)
  • 1 ounce India Pale Ale (the bitterer the better)
  • 1/2 ounce Sweet vermouth
  • 1 thin slice of orange (or a kumquat)
Directions
  1. Measure the rye and vermouth into a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass, adding beer at the same time.
  3. Top with orange slice or kumquat.
  4. Look cool, because you are.
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10 Reviews

Kriti J. January 9, 2022
This is amazing! I mean, I used all the wrong ingredients -- bourbon instead of rye, a low-cal (80 calories per can) IPA... but it still sings and bites in all the right places. Thanks for brightening a cold, gray, freezing rainy day!
Sarah A. January 12, 2014
This should most definitely be retitled the Brooklyn Manhattan.
maryvelasquez October 30, 2011
Thanks for this. It took the edge off the Patriot's horrendous loss tonight.
Rob July 17, 2011
I used 90 minute IPA which actually might be too bitter for this drink in the proportions listed above.

Overall, I like this as something different to try, but don't think it beats a good, classic Manhattan.
dymnyno November 12, 2009
I don't get it. I love Manhattan cocktails(my winter drink of choice) but I don't think that this is any more a beer cocktail than a classic Manhattan is a vermouth cocktail.
Collin November 9, 2009
Greg, I don't know if beer needs to be the primary ingredient in a beer cocktail. After all, at least a couple of the classic beer cocktails are no more than 50% beer (like the Snakebite or Black Velvet). Anyway, I don't think that you'd lose much if you upped the ratio to 50-50 and just used a less bitter beer.

lastnightsdir, I am glad you and I agree on the proper way to keep house.
gregp November 9, 2009
Sounds good, cheers!
Tamio888 November 8, 2009
I'm not, by nature, a cocktail guy. I made this one, though. I felt like I was transported to "Mad Men". A man's man's cocktail. However, using one ounce of a good beer to make a Manhattan, while creative, doesn't cut it for me as a 'beer cocktail". I'm a haff to vote for the other guy.
gregp November 5, 2009
I like the originality of this drink, however, technically it is not a beer cocktail. To meet that definition, beer needs to be the primary ingredient. I'll still vote for this one though.
lastnightsdinner November 5, 2009
Rye whiskey: every home should have some.