h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: The Prefect Manhattan - A825482
Author: Myers - U170647

The Manhattan is a cocktail that, when made wrongly, is... well, awful! However, when made correctly, may be considered one of the finest concoctions known to man. It's golden-red colour, it's warmth and fragrant aroma all add to an experience in cocktailing that, has stood as a mainstay for generations.

Hi there!

This is a good start for an Entry, but it only appears to look at the 'How to make' aspect... I'm quite intrigued at how the cocktail got its name... Perhaps you could either rename it 'How to Make A Prefect Manhattan'?

This is a good start!

Caper Plip

Ahh, one of my favourite pre-dinner drinks if I'm at a swish restaurant and feeling luxurious (and flush enough to afford an aperetif)

Unfortunately this has already been covered in h2g2's Ultimate Cocktail List here A71614, which curiously says that Bourbon is only 'optional' . I thought it had to be Bourbon (or at least some form of American sippin' whiskey) to be a proper Manhattan.

I agree, "HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT MANHATTAN" is a better title. Thanks. I've changed it already.

Myers

Though there is a recipe for a Manhattan in the Ultimate Cocktail List, I believe this recipe is better. (I have no basis or defence for this opinion, it's just mine. My family has served this recipe for 3 generations now and to my knowlege, has never gotten a complaint.)

You are correct that Bourbon is optional however that changes the type of Manhattan. The origional recipe, as I understand it, calls for a Rye whiskey and not a straight Bourbon. One could also use a sour-mash, such as Jack Daniels or Irish Whiskey or Scotch if one prefers. The "trick" is the ratio of Whiskey to Sweet Vermouth and the teaspoon of cherry juice and splash of water.

Thanks for the input!

I think in cases like this, where something already exists in one form in another edited entry - such as a recipe - you can get your one into The Guide if you write a more informative piece about the recipe itself, like f'rinstance some history, how it got its name, was it invented by a famous bartender, going into the ingredients in detail, instances of a Manhattan being mentioned in films or songs (eg Tom Waits/Bette Midler - 'I Never Talk to Strangers': "Bartender I'd like a Manhattan please").

If you simply leave it as it is - as an alternative/better version of the drink, I doubt that it would be considered for the Edited Guide, and would best be posted to the forum for The Ultimate Cocktail List.

I'd love to see an entry for one of my favourite drinks though

Is this about "The Prefect Manhattan" as opposed to the perfect "Manhattan".

Or is perfect just spelled imprefectly?

I think that's a typo. Although this is probably better than the current article, it needs more. You should put an introduction before you start on the ingredients (consider using what you posted when you submitted this). I think more information on the history, social aspect etc, would be useful.

The text from Post 1 ...

"The Manhattan is a cocktail that, when made wrongly, is... well, awful! However, when made correctly, may be considered one of the finest concoctions known to man. It's golden-red colour, it's warmth and fragrant aroma all add to an experience in cocktailing that, has stood as a mainstay for generations."

... would be a useful addition to the main body of the entry, no?