Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Cocktail Talk: Colin Shearn on the Manhattan

by J-B Hyppolite on Aug 9, 2011 in Culture
Cocktail Talk: Colin Shearn on the Manhattan

For cocktail lovers everywhere, the Manhattan is perhaps the bees knees. What better way to gain insight into the journey of this classic cocktail than to go to a place known for making drinks the old fashioned way? Welcome to The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co, located at 112 S. 18th St. in Rittenhouse Square.

Though shaky in its origin, it's believed that The Manhattan began its ascent to alcoholic stardom somewhere around the 1870's and 1880's.

“It was actually more of a Vermouth drink than a Whiskey drink,” said Colin, Bar Manager of The Franklin. Traditionally, The Manhattan contains 2 ounces of Vermouth, 1 ounce rye whiskey, 2 ounces of angostura bitters. The Manhattan became more of a whiskey oriented drink towards the turn of the century. Rye was America's favorite kind of Whiskey until it tapered off in the prohibition era.

“It's a fine drink either way. These days most people make it with bourbon, we make it with Rye,” said Colin, who noted that Rye Whiskey is often spicier and leaner.

One of the Manhattan's key ingredients, Vermouth, fell off the American drinker's radar around the prohibition. “It was definitely one of the more complex and elegant categories of spirits to choose from. It's essential to many of the classic cocktails, and essential to many of the things we do here at The Franklin, beyond the classics and the drinks we make here,” said Colin.

Anyone going to The Franklin should know they prefer to make The Manhattan the classic way. Though there isn't just one way to make this classic cocktail.

“You can mess with the ratio pretty greatly, and it's all delicious,” said Colin, who addressed the variations of the Manhattan, including the inverted Manhattan, which would have 2 ounces of vermouth and one ounce of whiskey. It all depends on the mood of the drinker.


Related Articles:

Wine Ties Beer in US Popularity
8/15 Brew & Chew at Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse with Sixpoint

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Emmett: Inside Look at the Cozy Grandma's House Inspired Cocktail Menu

Emmett: Inside Look at the Cozy "Grandma's House" Inspired Cocktail Menu

From Executive Chef Evan Snyder and partner Julian van der Tak comes Emmett, a Levantine-Mediterranian bar and...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Mar 25, 2025
Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

This week's installment is all about Almyra, a modern Greek restaurant and bar in Rittenhouse Square that tran...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Mar 18, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Part of Canada's response, their retaliation, to the tariffs imposed on Canadian goods coming into the U.S. ha...read more ›

by Lew Bryson Mar 17, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice is the first artisanal ice company in Philly focused on elevating the quality of cockta...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 9, 2025
Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

The Franklin Mortgage in Rittenhouse is transforming their entire space into a pop-up flower shop featuring a ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 25, 2025
The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The German Society of Philadelphia's 12 Annual Bierfest returns February 22 with a selection of over 50 German...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 18, 2025
Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

In this segment of Behind the Bar, we get a chance to speak with bartender and industry community advocate, So...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 4, 2025
Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Crisp weather and shorter days bring a variety of autumn events to Philadelphia. From yacht parties to haunted...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 15, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close