Celebrating the Art of the Manhattan with a Local Twist
The Manhattan cocktail has long been a symbol of refined sophistication, its origins tracing back to the late 19th century in New York City. As a premier destination known for its upscale dining experiences and local culinary traditions, The Loch & Quay is the perfect place to elevate this iconic libation with a touch of regional flair.
History of the Manhattan
The exact origins of the Manhattan are hazy, but most accounts point to its creation sometime in the 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City. Though the specifics remain a mystery, the cocktail’s enduring popularity is a testament to its perfectly balanced blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters. Over the decades, the Manhattan has evolved, with bartenders experimenting with different spirits, vermouths, and garnishes to put their own spin on the classic.
Classic Manhattan Recipes
The most traditional Manhattan recipe calls for 2 parts rye whiskey, 1 part sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters, stirred over ice and strained into a chilled coupe glass. Some prefer a bit more vermouth for a sweeter profile, while others opt for a higher ratio of whiskey for a more spirit-forward sip. Regardless of the exact proportions, the key is to find the right balance between the bold rye, the rich vermouth, and the aromatic bitters.
Regional Variations
As the Manhattan has spread across the globe, local bartenders have put their stamp on the cocktail. In Louisville, Kentucky, for example, the “Old Fashioned Manhattan” incorporates bourbon and a cherry garnish, while in Italy, the “Torino Manhattan” swaps in Cocchi di Torino vermouth. Here in the UK, you might find a “London Manhattan” made with gin or English whisky and finished with a lemon twist.
Local Ingredients and Influences
At The Loch & Quay, our approach to the Manhattan celebrates the bounty of our surrounding region, with seasonal produce, specialty liquors, and unique garnishes that put a decidedly local spin on this classic cocktail.
Seasonal Produce
As the seasons shift, our bartenders take inspiration from the ever-changing availability of local fruits, herbs, and botanicals. In the spring, we might incorporate freshly muddled rhubarb or elderflower into the mix, while summer calls for the bright acidity of blackberries or cherries. As autumn arrives, apple and pear infusions lend a warm, autumnal touch, and in the winter, citrus and spice notes shine.
Specialty Liquors
Beyond the standard rye or bourbon, our bar program features a carefully curated selection of specialty spirits sourced from nearby distilleries. For example, we might employ a small-batch single malt Scotch whisky from the Highlands or an artisanal sloe gin from the nearby Pennines. These unique libations add an extra layer of complexity and regional character to our Manhattans.
Signature Garnishes
No Manhattan is complete without its crowning glory – the garnish. At The Loch & Quay, we take this final touch to new heights, drawing inspiration from our stunning waterfront location. A skewered pickled onion or pearl onion might nod to the local fishing heritage, while a chevron of dehydrated citrus or a sprig of fresh thyme evokes the lush, verdant landscape surrounding us.
Mixology Techniques
Crafting the perfect Manhattan requires a mastery of essential bartending techniques, and our team at The Loch & Quay takes this art form to new heights.
Stirring vs. Shaking
While many cocktails benefit from the aeration and dilution achieved through vigorous shaking, the Manhattan is traditionally a stirred drink. By gently stirring the ingredients over ice, our bartenders ensure a silky-smooth texture and prevent the overly diluted, watery profile that can result from over-shaking.
Ice Selection
The quality and type of ice used can make a significant difference in the final Manhattan. We favor the use of large, slow-melting ice spheres or custom ice blocks that chill the drink without rapidly diluting it. This allows the flavors to shine through without becoming muted.
Glassware
No Manhattan is complete without the iconic coupe glass. The shallow, curved bowl and tapered rim help concentrate the aromas and guide the drink to the palate. At The Loch & Quay, we take great care in selecting and maintaining our glassware, ensuring every sip is a visually and tactilely pleasing experience.
Serving the Manhattan
Presenting the Manhattan with the same level of care and attention as its preparation is essential to the overall experience.
Presentation
Our bartenders take great pride in the visual aesthetics of each Manhattan, carefully arranging the garnish and ensuring the drink is served at the optimal temperature. A simple yet elegant lemon twist or a delicate cherry suspended on a skewer can elevate the cocktail to a work of art.
Pairing with Food
The Manhattan’s balance of spirit, sweetness, and bitterness makes it an incredibly versatile pairing for a variety of cuisine. At our waterfront restaurant, we might suggest a Manhattan alongside a plate of freshly shucked oysters, a hearty steak frites, or a rich chocolate dessert, allowing the cocktail to either complement or contrast the flavors on the plate.
Cocktail Culture
Sipping a well-crafted Manhattan is as much a ritual as it is a refreshment. At The Loch & Quay, we aim to foster an atmosphere of refined conviviality, where guests can savor the moment and engage in lively conversation over this timeless libation.
Celebrating the Manhattan
As a testament to the cocktail’s enduring appeal, The Loch & Quay is proud to be at the forefront of Manhattan-centric events and celebrations.
Bartender Competitions
Each year, we host a highly anticipated Manhattan Mixology Challenge, where local and regional bartenders showcase their skills and creativity in reinventing this classic drink. Guests enjoy sampling the inventive interpretations and casting their votes for the winning creation.
Tasting Events
Throughout the seasons, we offer intimate Manhattan Tasting Experiences, where guests can sample a curated selection of Manhattans, each highlighting a unique twist or regional influence. These events provide a deep dive into the art of Manhattan-making, often featuring educational components and expert insights from our in-house mixologists.
Cocktail Festivals
As a prominent fixture in the local cocktail scene, The Loch & Quay is a regular participant in regional Cocktail Festivals, where we proudly present our take on the Manhattan alongside other innovative libations. These lively events allow us to connect with enthusiasts and share our passion for this timeless drink.
The Art of the Manhattan
At its core, the Manhattan is a masterful balance of flavors, textures, and visual aesthetics. Our approach at The Loch & Quay celebrates this artistry, elevating the experience through meticulous attention to detail.
Visual Aesthetics
From the gleaming crystal of the coupe glass to the meticulously placed garnish, every aspect of the Manhattan’s presentation at The Loch & Quay is intentionally designed to delight the senses. Our bartenders take pride in crafting cocktails that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Balancing Flavors
Achieving the perfect harmony between the rich, spicy notes of the whiskey, the lush sweetness of the vermouth, and the aromatic complexity of the bitters is a true test of a bartender’s skill. Our team employs a keen understanding of flavor profiles to create Manhattans that are simultaneously bold, nuanced, and perfectly balanced.
Innovative Twists
While respecting the Manhattan’s traditional roots, our bartenders also revel in the opportunity to put a fresh spin on this classic cocktail. Whether it’s incorporating seasonal local ingredients, experimenting with alternative spirits, or devising novel garnish presentations, we strive to push the boundaries of what a Manhattan can be, always with an unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Manhattan Cocktail Experiences
At The Loch & Quay, we believe that enjoying a Manhattan is about more than just the drink itself; it’s about the entire ambiance and atmosphere that surrounds it.
Speakeasy Ambiance
Our intimate Prohibition-era inspired lounge provides the perfect setting for sipping a classic Manhattan. Guests are transported to a bygone era, with low lighting, plush leather seating, and a soundtrack of jazz standards, creating a sense of refined exclusivity.
Rooftop Lounges
For those seeking a more panoramic view of our stunning waterfront location, our rooftop al fresco lounge offers the ideal spot to savor a Manhattan. Accompanied by a light breeze and the tranquil lapping of the waves, this elevated ambience elevates the cocktail experience to new heights.
Neighborhood Bars
Beyond our signature settings, we also maintain a presence in the local community, with a network of neighborhood bars that each offer their own unique take on the Manhattan. From the cozy, wood-paneled public house to the modern, industrial-chic cocktail bar, these partnerships allow us to bring our passion for the Manhattan to a wider audience.
Whether enjoyed in one of our refined settings or discovered at a local haunt, a Manhattan crafted by The Loch & Quay is more than just a cocktail – it’s a celebration of the art of mixology, a tribute to our regional heritage, and a testament to the enduring allure of this timeless libation.