Manhattan was invented in the late 19th century when socialite Jenny Jerome asked a bartender to mix a special cocktail for elected Governor of New York, Samuel J. Tilden at the Manhattan Club in New York City. And the cocktail was named after the bar.

Manhattan has four basic ingredients:
1) Whiskey (2 oz)
2) Sweet Vermouth (1/2 oz)
3) Bitters
4) Maraschino Cherry

Pour 2 ounces of whiskey, 1/2 ounce of sweet vermouth, and ice into a shaker. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with red and green maraschino cherries.

Infusion: In a basic tall glass jar with a tightly fitting lid, pour whiskey over red maraschino cherries, add dash of bitters and let it sit for a few days to infuse. (also see Vodka Infusion Party)

Whiskey: It is known that the original Manhattan was mixed with a straight rye whiskey (Some rye whiskies are still available). Today Manhattan is usually mixed with either Canadian whiskey or bourbon whiskey.