How to Make a Manhattan

While most of cocktail society seems to agree that the martini reigns as the ultimate cocktail, the manhattan runs a close second.

Step 1: Fill glass w/ ice Fill the mixing glass with ice.
Step 2: Add rye Add the rye.
TIP: Bourbon gradually surpassed rye in popularity after Prohibition and has become a common substitute. It will give your drink a smokier flavor.
Step 3: Add sweet vermouth Add the sweet vermouth.
TIP: A "dry Manhattan" replaces sweet vermouth with dry vermouth; a "perfect Manhattan" is made with half dry and half sweet vermouth.
Step 4: Add 2 dashes of bitters Add the two dashes of bitters.
Step 5: Stir w/ spoon Stir with the spoon until the mixing glass is cold to the touch.
Step 6: Place cherry Place a cherry in the cocktail glass.
TIP: To serve your Manhattan "on the rocks," pour it over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
Step 7: Strain mixture Strain the mixture into the glass and celebrate one tasty town.
FACT: At least two other New York City boroughs have drinks named after them — a Bronx mixes gin, orange juice, and two kinds of vermouth, while a Brooklyn uses rye, vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon, a bitter cordial.