As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that the Old Fashioned and Manhattan cocktails have different garnishes. While the Old Fashioned is garnished with an orange peel, the Manhattan is traditionally garnished with a brandied cherry.
The garnish plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavors and aromas of a cocktail. In the case of the Old Fashioned, the orange peel adds a delightful citrusy note to the drink. When the peel is left inside the cocktail, it gradually infuses the whiskey with its essence, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. This is why it is recommended to leave the orange peel in the drink until the very end, allowing the citrus flavor to develop and enhance the overall experience.
On the other hand, the Manhattan is garnished with a brandied cherry. This sweet and tangy cherry is soaked in a brandy or maraschino liqueur, adding a contrasting flavor profile to the cocktail. The brandied cherry provides a burst of fruity sweetness and acts as a perfect complement to the rich and robust flavors of the whiskey and vermouth in a Manhattan.
Both garnishes serve a purpose in their respective cocktails, elevating the drinking experience in their own unique ways. The orange peel in an Old Fashioned adds a refreshing citrus twist, while the brandied cherry in a Manhattan contributes a touch of sweetness and complexity.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of enjoying both cocktails with their respective garnishes. I remember sipping on an Old Fashioned with the orange peel slowly infusing the whiskey, creating a delightful citrus undertone that balanced out the boldness of the bourbon. The Manhattan, adorned with a brandied cherry, offered a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly complemented the smoothness of the rye whiskey and the herbal notes of the vermouth.
The Old Fashioned is garnished with an orange peel, which adds a citrus flavor to the drink, while the Manhattan is garnished with a brandied cherry, providing a sweet and tangy element. Both garnishes are essential to their respective cocktails, enhancing the overall taste and aroma.