Maker's Mark 46® Manhattan

Author Notes

Achieving wild popularity in the 1880s, the Manhattan was among the first cocktails to use Italian Vermouth, appearing even before the Martini did. Like many stories involving whisky, the rest of its history is a bit cloudy. One widely circulated account claims the cocktail was invented at the Manhattan Club, a prestigious organization renowned for its stock of old whisky. The drink is alleged to have first been served at a party thrown there by Winston Churchill's mother, Lady Randolph Churchill, for presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden. The hiccup with that, though, is Lady Randolph was likely pregnant and in Europe during the date in question. One thing is clear, the Manhattanite who first concocted this cocktail created a classic with true staying power.

The elevated flavor and higher proof of Maker’s Mark 46® brings a new level of sophistication to this elegant classic. This is the cocktail of choice for Bill Samuels, Jr., when he looks to highlight the uniquely layered flavors of his bourbon. —Food52

Test Kitchen Notes

This recipe is shared in partnership with Maker’s Mark 46®. To find out our favorite dish to serve with this cocktail, check out our digital cookbook, A Toast to Family Ties. Order a bottle of Maker's Mark to make this cocktail (and many more).

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.

MAKER’S MARK 46® KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKY BARREL FINISHED WITH 10 VIRGIN FRENCH OAK STAVES. 47% Alc./Vol. ©2023 MAKER’S MARK DISTILLERY, INC. LORETTO, KY. —The Editors