Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Bar Rescue's Jon Taffer Made a Terrible Manhattan on National TV

by Ryan Hudak on May 5, 2016 in Culture

Bar Rescue host Jon Taffer is at it again, this time spreading his great bar “knowledge” on Meredith Viera’s daytime talk show.  This time, instead of claiming that mescaline (the hallucinogenic drug) is made from mescal (tequila’s smokier cousin), he is instructing Viera on how to make a Manhattan, which she claims her husband loves.

After some banter about Taffer’s success as a bar rescuer, some shocking statements about bar hygiene (there could be glass in your ice!), and a brief conversation about Taffer’s “butt funnel,” Taffer and Viera make their way over to a makeshift bar so he can presumably show her how a professional would make a Manhattan.  And then he ruins it. Skip ahead to the 3 minute mark for the "tutorial."

Aside from annoyingly referring to orange peel as “zest” the entire time, he begins by putting an orange peel, a cherry, and bitters into a glass and muddling them.  Now, I am by no means a cocktail expert or a classic cocktail purist, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a recipe that calls for muddling of any kind with a Manhattan, nor have I ever seen anyone begin this way.  He then pours in the rye whiskey (at least he got that part right), stirs it a bit, and strains it.  That’s it.  He mentions you can add some vermouth. Again, neither expert nor purist, but every proper Manhattan I’ve ever heard of contains vermouth.

Maybe I’m wrong.  Maybe this guy is changing the game, or is so old school I don’t even realize it.  But, judging from the kind of buffoon he is in the interview and the past comments he’s made, I highly doubt it.  My guess is he’s just a clown who doesn’t know what he’s doing—after all, many of the bars he’s “rescued” have closed.

Photo via Youtube


Tags: Cocktails, Spirits
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:
 
Pamper Yourself at These Spas with Bars in Philadelphia

Pamper Yourself at These Spas with Bars in Philadelphia

Whether you're going solo or heading out with friends, we've got just the place for your to relax and enjoy a good drink...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Apr 5, 2023
The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia

The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia

Not drinking alcohol tonight? These bars and restaurants have you covered with inventive, thoughtful, and down...read more ›

by Michelle Cassidy Jan 11, 2023
Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

The PLCB, announced that a 4% price increase would go into effect on 3,554 of its most popular wine and spirit...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 9, 2023
SPONSORED
The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

Here it is - the definitive list of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars....read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 13, 2017
The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

In this segment we speak to Olivia Babiec, the former Philadelphia Distiller who moved to Hawaii to make gin...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 5, 2023
Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Holidays, birthdays, weddings, or any private event - Philadelphia has you covered...read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 5, 2022
Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

The fourth annual Philadelphia Cider Week is being celebrated from Sunday, October 23 through Sunday, October 30...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 21, 2022
Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Fall is here and what better way to celebrate than at CiderFest at the historic Woodford Mansion in Fairmount ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Oct 13, 2022
WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

The team behind the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival have conjured up a spellbinding event - WitchCraft - a...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 12, 2022
LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

Fishtown has a new Baja Mexican destination for tequila and mezcal fans...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 14, 2022
SPONSORED
View all Articles

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

Close