Citrus Manhattan
Formerly known as the 'Oriental Cocktail,' (cringe), I'm renaming one of my faves.
For those of you who like whiskey cocktails, who consider yourselves more of the
‘classics’ type, the Citrus Manhattan (formerly the ‘Oriental Cocktail’) should be a go-to. If you have a home bar, you probably already have everything sitting there. The old name is cringe and I think EVERYONE will be grateful for the update. It’s a good substitution for the Manhattan because it kind of wakes it adds freshness and dimension. If you have people who are bit more averse to spirit-forward drinks who prefer sours, this is the gateway to connecting your two worlds.
Ok, so…
History loosely dictates that the original recipe comes from an American in the Philippines. It’s referenced in the 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book. I’m forced to assume that name ‘Oriental’ was supposed to be geographical. Like, of or originating in ‘The Orient?’ I don’t know. I can’t. What actually gives it an Asian flavor profile, in my opinion, comes from an indirect result of how the ingredients blend together on the taste buds. With the orange liqueur, heat of the rye and red vermouth, you get sweetness, bitter orange peel and spice. The addition of citrus, particularly against the vermouth, adds a very umami sourness, something that immediately takes me to Chinese, Thai or Korean cuisine. In fact, the first time I made this cocktail for a group was to accompany a bowl of noodles with a Szechuan peppercorn. I had never tasted Szechuan peppercorn before but the way the heat sort of bloomed and stayed in my mouth, this cocktail was the first thing I could think of to go with it. We needed something really fresh, but it also had to be big enough to complement and cool the heat. So, I also don’t know if the original name ‘Oriental’ came from trying to characterize this combo of flavors, I can only guess at that. However, we do know historically that colonizers haven’t always been the best at naming things. Sigh. I’d just make the drink.
Ready? Ok…
Citrus Manhattan — Formerly the ‘Oriental Cocktail’
Citrus Manhattan
-chill a coupe
In a shaker combine:
-1.5 oz rye whiskey*
-.75oz orange liqueur (Orange Curaçao is the original, but Dry also works. I used Cointreau or Grand Marnier, whatever I happen to have on hand).
-.75oz sweet Italian vermouth (Carpano Antica or Cocchi di Torino)
-.5oz fresh lime juice
-shake with ice
-double strain into your coupe glass
*Gluten free, I’d do this with mezcal or dark rum, too. I mix up my Manhattans for people all the time, there’s no reason to not do it with this drink.
Enjoy this one with the utmost of care. It’s really strong. I’m a master and I can only handle two of these. Okay. I love you. Stay safe out there.
Kisses,
Justin