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Manhattans, a relative newcomer to the Hennepin Theater District and Downtown Minneapolis, proves that mixology is, in fact, rocket science.
The martini-slinging bartenders here are experts on grown-up beverages like the Gentleman Old Fashioned, Mint Julep and the signature Manhattan. The drink for which this sophisticated bar and restaurant is named is a blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, served over ice or chilled in a martini glass and usually finished with a cherry.
In addition to those classic cocktails, Manhattans mixology extends to the themed, tropical and fizzy reaches of the alcohol universe.
The Minneappletini is a gourmet appletini made with Three Olives Green Apple Vodka, Apple Pucker and a fresh Granny Smith apple puree. It’s garnished with a bent spoon and cherry as a tribute to our city’s most recognizable and photogenic landmark located down the street in the Walker Sculpture Garden. With all that vodka that you can barely taste, this cocktail is one bad apple, and we mean that in the best way possible.
The Polynesian Sunset is an island temptation made with Grey Goose Vodka, Grand Marnier, freshly squeezed OJ and Pomari Pomegranate liqueur. It tastes a bit like the Red Dragon’s Wondrous Punch, except ordering just one won’t give you a wondrous hangover in the morning.
The Rock Star is a beautiful, fizzing beverage starring Three Olives Cherry Vodka and ginger beer, topped with champagne and garnished with a slice of starfruit. This original cocktail comes with a choice between flavors of Pop Rocks that are sprinkled in to the mixture you are about to drink, causing colorful mini explosions in your glass and sometimes in your mouth. It’s surprisingly tasty, even though it sounds like you are sitting at the bar with Snap, Crackle and Pop.
A generous happy hour is held twice daily (except on Sunday, when the restaurant is closed). From 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. until close, all drinks and appetizers are half price, meaning you can double your pleasure and your purchasing power after work or a theater show.
We’re skeptical if Pop Rocks and vodka is the right pairing with one of Manhattans “classic unpretentious” American entrees like the Pistachio Crusted Walleye or the Colorado Lamb Chops, but maybe the international wine list deserves some play too–and we’re more than willing to go back to try it. It is certain, however, that Manhattans knows how to mix a cocktail whether you order it shaken, stirred or laced with a 6th grader’s candy of choice.
Annie D'Souza is the brains (and brauns) behind Metromix's 24 Hrs Notice. She is also the editor of local culture blog, The Suggestion Boxer. She lives in Minneapolis, works on the Internet and usually picks "What Would You Do?" by City High for karaoke.
