There have been many variations on the classic Manhattan since it first appeared in O.H. Byron's The Modern Bartender's Guide in 1884. Named for the city in which it is believed to have originated, it can be made with your choice of bourbon or rye—we like both!— and a premium sweet vermouth such as Antica. Everything else you need is right here.

Cocktail historian Philip Greene's The Manhattan: The Story of the First Modern Cocktail with Recipes - A Cocktail Book expertly traces the evolution of the Manhattan from its competing origin stories through its continuing influence on today's craft cocktail culture. Richly illustrated with vintage ads and artwork and luxe photographs, this definitive, illustrated story of the Manhattan also offers 65 easy-to-follow recipes, and is a welcome addition to any mixologist's library. The right bitters will help integrate the mixture of spirits, and one of our faves is "Attawanhood" #37 from North Carolina's Crude Bitters. This deeply-flavored elixir has notes of cherry, clove & cinnamon, ideal for a little autumn cocktail inspiration. We use them in chocolate martini's, too. The garnish is as important as the cocktail itself, and the long-stemmed cherries soaked in bourbon-forward syrup from Woodford reserve fill the bill. Spear them with our handsome stainless-steel cocktail picks which perch perfectly atop our handsome coupe glasses - set of 2 included here. A classy gift for this classic cocktail.