A Manhattan is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. To make Manhattans in a barrel, you will need the following ingredients and supplies:
- A barrel (if you are new to aging you can start with our 1 liter barrell).
- Whiskey (such as bourbon or rye)
- Sweet vermouth
- Bitters (such as Angostura bitters)
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Here are the steps to follow to make Manhattans in a barrel:
If the barrel has been previously used clean and sterilize the barrel with hot water and a mild vinegar solution. Rinse the barrel thoroughly with clean water and let it air dry.
In a large mixing glass, combine 2 parts whiskey, 1 part sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters. Stir the mixture well to combine.
Pour the cocktail mixture into the barrel and seal it with a tight-fitting lid. Let the mixture age in the barrel for at least 2 weeks, or until it has reached the desired level of flavor and complexity.
After the Manhattans have aged to your liking, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any sediment.
Serve the Manhattans over ice in a lowball glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry, if desired.
Note: The amount of time you let the Manhattans age in the barrel will depend on your personal taste preferences and the type of barrel you're using. Oak barrels will add more woody and vanilla flavors to the Manhattans, while stainless steel barrels will not add any additional flavors. Experiment with different aging times to find the perfect balance of flavors for your Manhattans.
