As legend has it, the Manhattan was created in honor of Lady Randolph Churchill (Sir Winston’s mother) in 1874 at the Manhattan Club in New York, served during a celebration dinner for Governor Samuel J. Tilden. Some people hate on this story, but it’s the best one of the bunch…so I’ll go with it.

Recipe:

2 oz. rye, bourbon or blended Canadian whiskey
¾ oz. sweet vermouth
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
Maraschino cherry

Stir the liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail (or lowball) glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry.