The Manhattan cocktail was first introduced in (where else?) Manhattan. Legend has the cocktail created around 1870, so it really is one of the very first cocktails, and a true American tradition. It was a cocktail that used the whiskey of its time, Rye (Canadian Whiskey), which is a blended whiskey with a large portion of corn spirits.
The "classic" Manhattan cocktail is a simple 2:1 ratio of whiskey to Italian vermouth, with a few dashes of Angostura bitters. These cupcakes are based on that classic ratio of whiskey to vermouth. Bitters were added as well. Why fiddle with a good thing...Right?
I used Tullamore D.E.W. in my cupcakes because it has become my whiskey of choice in all thing baked or "cocktailed." You will find Tullamore D.E.W. smooth and full of flavor -- a great addition to boozy baked things, with a finish of warm caramel. I'm not much of a straight up kind of cocktail girl, but I'm learning to enjoy a Manhattan every now and then. An easy cocktail to order, and very grown up, too!
Give these cupcakes a try...They are an easy slide into the classic Manhattan cocktail. And, you just might have found a new and uniquely American cocktail to enjoy at your next happy hour!
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