The Ultimate Guide to Making a Manhattans By The Pitcher Like a Bartender

The Ultimate Guide to Making a Manhattans By The Pitcher Like a Bartender

Calendar Icon February 03, 2025 User Icon by BarBot Team

Introduction

The Manhattan cocktail is a quintessential American classic, known for its elegant blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It's a drink that exudes sophistication and has been a staple in cocktail culture since the late 19th century. For those looking to entertain with style, making Manhattans by the pitcher is a brilliant way to serve up this timeless cocktail to a crowd without sacrificing quality.

The origins of the Manhattan are steeped in mystery, with stories claiming it was first crafted at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the 1870s. Regardless of its exact beginnings, the Manhattan has become synonymous with class and refinement, often associated with high-end gatherings and chic cocktail parties.

Making Manhattans by the pitcher allows you to maintain the cocktail's sophisticated profile while catering to larger groups. This approach is perfect for parties where you want to keep the drinks flowing without constantly mixing individual cocktails.

Ingredients

  • 14 oz Rittenhouse Rye
  • 6.25 oz Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
  • 0.25 oz Angostura Bitters
  • 10.5 oz Ice Water
  • 1 Garnish Of Your Choice

Creating Manhattans by the pitcher requires just a few key ingredients, each chosen for their quality and flavor profile. Here's what you'll need to make this batch cocktail shine:

  • 14 oz Rittenhouse Rye: Rittenhouse Rye offers a robust, spicy character that stands up well in a large batch cocktail, providing depth and complexity.
  • 6.25 oz Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth: Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth is renowned for its rich, aromatic profile, adding a luscious sweetness that complements the rye beautifully.
  • 0.25 oz Angostura Bitters: Angostura Bitters are essential for adding a layer of complexity and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the Manhattan.
  • 10.5 oz Ice Water: Ice water dilutes the cocktail to the perfect sipping strength, ensuring each glass is balanced and refreshing.
  • 1 Garnish Of Your Choice: Choose a garnish that enhances the drink's aesthetic and flavor, such as a cherry or an orange twist.

Instructions

Mixing Manhattans by the pitcher is straightforward, but attention to detail ensures each pour is perfect. Follow these steps to create a pitcher full of classic Manhattans:

  1. Mix ingredients in a pitcher and serve with garnish.

Tips

  • Chill your pitcher ahead of time to keep the cocktail cool and refreshing without excessive dilution.
  • Experiment with different garnishes like brandied cherries or lemon peels to add a personal touch and visual appeal.
  • For an elevated experience, consider using large ice cubes or a block of ice in the pitcher to maintain temperature without over-diluting the drink.
  • Taste the mixture before serving and adjust the vermouth or bitters to suit your preference, ensuring the balance of flavors is just right.

Conclusion

Serving Manhattans by the pitcher is a sophisticated and efficient way to delight your guests with a classic cocktail. This method ensures that everyone enjoys the rich flavors of rye, vermouth, and bitters without the hassle of individual preparation.

Elevate your next gathering with this crowd-pleasing approach to cocktail making. With BarBot, you can explore a world of cocktail recipes, log your experiences, and refine your skills one pitcher at a time. Download the app today and transform your home into a cocktail haven, where every pour is an opportunity to impress. Cheers to unforgettable moments and delicious drinks!

Manhattans By The Pitcher recipe adapted from Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave Arnold.