Which came first, the Manhattan or the Old Fashioned?

A Tale of Two Cocktails: Manhattan vs Old Fashioned

July 11, 2023 by

When it comes to classic cocktails, the Manhattan and Old Fashioned are like the ultimate showdown. Both are whiskey-based legends with their own unique vibes. In this article, we’re diving into what makes these two drinks so special, from their histories to their ingredients. Whether you’re a cocktail pro or just starting out, this guide will help you understand and perfect these timeless favourites. Cheers to mastering the classics!

What’s an Old Fashioned?

As far as classic cocktails go, the Old Fashioned is probably one of the most famous ones out there. It is a cocktail for whiskey lovers, made with your choice of bourbon or rye, simple syrup, a few dashes of aromatic bitters, and orange peel or Maraschino cherries to garnish.

As is often the case, there are many claims as to where the Old Fashioned cocktail originated. One of the more famous stories is that it was created at a gentleman’s club in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 1860s. But what’s with the name?

When America’s cocktail scene really took off in the latter 1800s, bar menus started to evolve as bartenders began mixing up new and exciting cocktails to impress the masses. Legend has it that some sentimental drinkers missed how things used to be back in the good old days, so they used to order a drink made the old-fashioned way, and it was here that the Old Fashioned cocktail was born.

Old Fashioned variations

Learn more: Best Whiskey for an Old Fashioned Cocktail

What’s a Manhattan?

The exact origins of the Manhattan are not definitively known, but its creation is attributed to the mid-19th century. It is believed to have been first crafted in New York City, specifically at the Manhattan Club, hence the name.

The original recipe called for a mix of American whiskey, sweet vermouth, a dash of bitters, and a Maraschino cherry to garnish. The result was a drink with captivating herbal nuances and a delicious touch of complexity.

Socialites started sipping this tasty three-ingredient cocktail in the 1800s, and its as popular as ever.

Manhattan variations

How are they similar?

When considering the Old Fashioned vs Manhattan, it’s clear there are actually a whole lot of similarities between the two drinks.

Ingredients

Both drinks are traditionally made with high-quality whiskey as their base spirit.
Both the Old Fashioned and Manhattan cocktails share a common foundation of classic spirits, bitters, and sweeteners.
The Old Fashioned typically calls for bourbon or rye whiskey, while the Manhattan specifically uses rye whiskey or sometimes bourbon.
Both cocktails also use aromatic bitters to add depth and complexity.

Flavour

Both cocktails have a rich and nuanced taste.
The Old Fashioned is known for its balanced combination of whiskey, bitters, and simple syrup, resulting in a smooth and slightly sweet drink.
The Manhattan cocktail uses vermouth, which adds a distinctive herbal, sometimes slightly bitter taste that complements the whiskey beautifully.

Serving styles

Both the Old Fashioned and Manhattan are typically served in short, sturdy glasses, such as a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass.
They are commonly prepared over ice, allowing the flavours to mellow and develop slowly as the ice gradually melts.
Garnishing options often include citrus peels, maraschino cherries, or a combination of the two.

Also see: 12 Freezer Door Cocktails for Easy Hosting

How are they different?

On the other hand, there are distinct differences between the Old Fashioned vs Manhattan drinks as well. These include:

Ingredients

The biggest difference between the Old Fashioned and Manhattan is in the choice of sweeteners.
The Old Fashioned is usually sweetened with simple syrup or a sugar cube.
On the other hand, the Manhattan uses sweet vermouth, which adds an herbal taste and sweetness. serves as both a flavour component and a sweetener.

Sweet sensations: The Best Cocktail Cherries to Garnish Your Favourite Cocktail

Flavour

While both cocktails boast enticing flavours, the Manhattan has a more complex taste due to the addition of vermouth. The vermouth gives it a distinct herbal character that adds depth and sophistication to the drink.
In contrast, the Old Fashioned emphasises the pure essence of whiskey, allowing its rich, smooth flavours to take centre stage.

Zesty besties! The Best Grand Marnier Cocktails & Dessert Recipes

Serving styles

The serving styles of the Old Fashioned and Manhattan are quite similar.
Both are typically served over ice in short glasses, allowing the flavours to develop gradually.
The Manhattan is often garnished with a single cherry, while the Old Fashioned can be garnished with an orange twist or a combination of an orange peel and a cherry.

Learn more: 10 Cocktail Glass Types to Level Up Your DIY Drinks

Expert tips for customising your Manhattan or Old Fashioned

Choose quality ingredients: For both cocktails, the quality of your whiskey can really make a difference. Try experimenting with different types of whiskey to find the one that best suits your taste—whether it’s a smooth bourbon for your Manhattan or a rich rye for your Old Fashioned.
Play with proportions: Adjust the ratio of whiskey to vermouth or sugar to make a Manhattan or Old Fashioned that’s perfectly tailored to your taste. For a Manhattan, tweak the 2:1 whiskey-to-vermouth ratio to your liking. For an Old Fashioned, adjust the sugar cube and bitters to balance sweetness and spice.
Experiment with ice: Customise the chill factor by using different types of ice. Large ice cubes or spheres slow down dilution and keep your drink cooler for longer, but if you enjoy a more diluted cocktail go ahead and use smaller ice cubes instead.
Stir or shake to your taste: The rule of thumb is to always stir a Manhattan. When it comes to the Old Fashioned you can choose to shake or stir it, depending on what you prefer.
Get creative with garnishes: Personalise your cocktail with garnishes that enhance its flavour or look. Add a twist of lemon or an exotic cherry to your Manhattan, or experiment with different citrus peels and cherries for your Old Fashioned.
Explore different bitters: Using different bitters can significantly change the flavour of your cocktail. Check out our guide to the best bitters for an Old Fashioned to find out more.
Use quality ingredients: The ingredients you use can make or break a cocktail. Always use freshly squeezed citrus and high-quality vermouth to make every sip is as good as it can be.
Choose the right glass: Experiment with different types of glasses—like a coupe for your Manhattan—to see which presentation you prefer.

More interesting cocktail variations

If you’re itching to get creative behind the cocktail shaker, here are a few more fun and inventive drinks you might love:

Looking for the best whiskey for your Old Fashioned or Manhattan? Then head on over to Wild Turkey website for some drinkspiration! Remember to sign up for our newsletter to get the freshest insights delivered straight to your inbox.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Manhattan cocktail predates the Old Fashioned, making it the older of the two classic cocktails. The exact origins of the Manhattan are not definitively known, but its creation is attributed to the mid-19th century. It is believed to have been first crafted in New York City, specifically at the Manhattan Club, hence the name. The Old Fashioned, on the other hand, emerged later in the 19th century, around the 1860s. It is considered one of the oldest recorded cocktails and is believed to have originated in Louisville, Kentucky.