When it comes to classic cocktails, two of the most iconic drinks are the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. While both drinks share some similarities, such as their whiskey base, they are distinct in flavor, ingredients, and preparation. For cocktail enthusiasts and beginners alike, understanding the difference between these two drinks can enhance your appreciation for each and help you choose the perfect drink for your palate.

In this post, we’ll break down the differences between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan, covering their history, ingredients, preparation methods, and flavor profiles.

History of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails, dating back to the early 19th century. It is often considered the original cocktail due to its simple yet elegant mix of ingredients: whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water. The name "Old Fashioned" reflects the fact that it was a return to a simpler style of drink-making after more complex cocktails had gained popularity in the mid-1800s.

The cocktail was originally referred to as a "whiskey cocktail," and over time, as bartenders began experimenting with new ingredients, some patrons preferred to ask for their drink in the "old-fashioned" way, which led to the name we know today.

History of the Manhattan

The Manhattan, while still a venerable cocktail, has a slightly more modern origin story. Its creation is often credited to a bartender at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the 1870s. The Manhattan was reportedly created for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome, mother of Winston Churchill, though this story has been disputed.

Regardless of its origin, the Manhattan quickly became popular in the United States, known for its sophisticated and balanced blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

Key Differences Between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan

1. Base Spirit

• Old Fashioned: Traditionally made with either bourbon or rye whiskey. The choice of whiskey can greatly affect the flavor profile. Bourbon tends to lend a sweeter and smoother taste, while rye whiskey gives the cocktail a spicier edge.
• Manhattan: Typically uses rye whiskey as the base, though bourbon can also be used. Rye whiskey’s spiciness pairs well with the sweetness of the vermouth, creating a balanced flavor.

2. Sweetener

• Old Fashioned: Uses sugar (either a sugar cube or simple syrup) as the primary sweetening agent. The sugar is muddled with bitters and a splash of water to create a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Manhattan: The sweet component in a Manhattan comes from sweet vermouth, an aromatized wine that adds depth and complexity to the drink. Vermouth also introduces herbal and slightly bitter notes that complement the whiskey.

3. Bitters

• Old Fashioned: Traditionally, Angostura bitters are used in an Old Fashioned, contributing a warm, spicy flavor that enhances the whiskey.
• Manhattan: Also uses Angostura bitters, but some variations of the Manhattan, such as the Perfect Manhattan, may include a mix of both Angostura and orange bitters for added complexity.

4. Glassware and Garnish

• Old Fashioned: Served in a rocks glass (also known as an Old Fashioned glass) over a large ice cube or a few smaller cubes. It is typically garnished with an orange twist or cherry, with some versions including a muddled orange slice.
• Manhattan: Served in a martini or coupe glass without ice (up), often garnished with a maraschino cherry or a lemon twist. The lack of ice allows the flavors to meld and develop as the drink warms slightly.

5. Flavor Profile

• Old Fashioned: Simple and straightforward, the Old Fashioned highlights the natural flavors of the whiskey. The drink is rich and slightly sweet, with a touch of bitterness from the Angostura bitters. The flavor can vary significantly depending on the type of whiskey used—bourbon makes it sweeter, while rye gives it more of a bite.
• Manhattan: More complex in flavor, the Manhattan balances the boldness of the whiskey with the sweet and herbal notes of vermouth. The vermouth adds a smoother, more rounded flavor, with a slightly bitter edge from the bitters. A rye Manhattan will have more spice, while a bourbon Manhattan will be smoother and sweeter.

6. Preparation

• Old Fashioned:

  1. Muddle a sugar cube or a small amount of simple syrup with a few dashes of bitters in a rocks glass.
  2. Add a large ice cube or several smaller cubes.
  3. Pour in 2 oz of whiskey (bourbon or rye).
  4. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.

• Manhattan:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz of whiskey (rye or bourbon), 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and a couple of dashes of bitters.
  2. Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or lemon twist.

Variations and Customizations

Both the Old Fashioned and Manhattan have variations that cater to different palates.

• Old Fashioned Variations:

  • Some prefer to muddle an orange slice and cherry with the sugar and bitters for a fruitier version.
  • A Rum Old Fashioned swaps whiskey for dark rum.
  • The Smoky Old Fashioned uses mezcal or smoky whiskey to add a rich, smoky flavor.

• Manhattan Variations:

  • A Perfect Manhattan uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, resulting in a less sweet and more balanced cocktail.
  • The Rob Roy is a variation that substitutes Scotch for rye or bourbon.
  • A Black Manhattan replaces the vermouth with amaro, an Italian herbal liqueur, for a darker, more bitter flavor profile.

Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan depends largely on your flavor preferences and mood.

• If you prefer a simple, whiskey-forward drink with just a touch of sweetness and bitterness, go for an Old Fashioned. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy savoring the nuances of the whiskey itself.

• If you’re in the mood for something a bit more complex with herbal and sweet flavors, the Manhattan is likely to suit your palate. Its balance of whiskey and vermouth provides a richer, more layered experience.

Conclusion: Old Fashioned vs. Manhattan

Though both cocktails have their roots in American whiskey culture, the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan offer distinctly different drinking experiences. The Old Fashioned is all about simplicity and allowing the whiskey to shine, while the Manhattan combines whiskey with sweet vermouth for a more nuanced, balanced flavor.

Whether you’re a whiskey purist or you enjoy a more complex cocktail, understanding the difference between these two classic drinks allows you to choose the one that perfectly fits your taste and the occasion. Cheers!

FAQs

1. Can you make an Old Fashioned with bourbon or rye?
Yes, both bourbon and rye work well in an Old Fashioned. Bourbon provides a sweeter flavor, while rye adds a spicier note.

2. What’s the key difference between vermouth and sugar as sweeteners?
Sugar provides a pure sweetness in the Old Fashioned, while vermouth in the Manhattan offers sweetness with added herbal and bitter flavors.

3. Is a Manhattan always served without ice?
Typically, a Manhattan is served “up” in a chilled glass without ice, but some prefer it over ice in a rocks glass.

4. What’s a Perfect Manhattan?
A Perfect Manhattan uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, resulting in a more balanced, less sweet cocktail.

5. Are Old Fashioned cocktails always stirred?
Yes, an Old Fashioned is stirred rather than shaken, which helps maintain its smooth texture and prevents dilution.

6. Which cocktail is stronger, an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan?
The Old Fashioned may taste stronger due to its simplicity, but both cocktails contain similar alcohol content depending on how they’re made.