The Manhattan: The Story of the First Modern Cocktail with Recipes - A Cocktail Book

by Dale DeGroff (Foreword), Philip Greene

When the Manhattan came along, it changed everything. As Gotham’s finest watering holes embraced the new concoction, the original cocktail soon became old hat and known as the Old-Fashioned. Cocktail historian Philip Greene expertly traces the evolution of this new drink from its competing origin stories through its continuing influence and extensive progeny, including the almighty Martini itself. Richly illustrated with vintage ads and artwork and luxe photographs, this definitive, illustrated story of the Manhattan also offers 65 easy-to-follow recipes. Classic variations and contemporary updates range from the Brooklyn and the Vesper to the Little Italy and Red Hook. If you’re thirsty for a good story, you’ve come to the right place.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2016

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There is no such thing as bad whiskey. Some whiskies just happen to be better than others. But a man shouldn't fool with booze until he is fifty; then he's a damn fool if he doesn't"--William Faulkner

"The light music of whiskey falling into glasses made an agreeable interlude"--James Joyce

I just happen to not be drinking a Manhattan at the moment, but if I were to be drinking a mixed drink, it would likely be a Manhattan. I have a favorite recipe, but I like to experiment from time to time, so this book is useful for me. And if I order a drink as I travel, I rarely specify what I want in the drink, (and never if the bartender would appear to know how his mixology), I usually ask the bartender to make me one of his favorite versions of the drink. This way I expand my repertoire.

I liked Greene's To Have and Have Another: A Hemingway Cocktail Companion because it was about two things I enjoy, Hemingway and booze (well, that's a bit of a joke, because I've actually never been a heavy drinker, but I'm now re-reading a bit of Bukowski, so you have to have a drink as you read him; it's like a requirement). Greene's book on the Manhattan is really well-written, educational, and fun, and gives you such a range of recipes and cultural background you can't help but be entertained. Oh, and the next time you are in a bar and order a Manhattan, you'll be able to say some urbanely stylish quote (see above) or cite some arcane trivia to impress your cronies. That's very useful in a bar, of course.

[Benjamin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better for the recipes than the history. Writing is a little "enthusiast"-grade.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing history on a uniquely American creation. Great recipes to try as well.