Message 30894 of 39188 in General Discussion

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It seems to me you are struggling with the... when does it need a new name 
dilemma.   

The following were rules to go by I came up with... 
http://www.barmixmaster.com/2005/08/drink-variation-vs-new-drink.html

A drink needs a new name if any of the following are true:

1. The base liquor changes
2. There is a major ratio change in the ingredients where by the drink tastes 
completely different.
3. An ingredient is changed to something that is not a close substitute 
(meaning substituting Cointreau for Triple Sec is okay)

The following do not require a name change:

1. The garnish changes
2. The ratios of ingredients change slightly
3. The type of glassware changes
4. The mixing instructions are different (on rocks vs up, etc…)
5. An ingredient is replaced with a close substitute

The garnish change is a tricky one... if the garnish changes the flavor 
profile of the drink as in a Martini to a Gibson then it needs a new name.

If I follow these rules and I look at your proposed names I would say you are 
correct to want to change the name. This is because changing the ratio of 
sweet vermouth does in fact change the "taste" of the drink.

On the other hand, there is this rule...

If someone walked up to your bar and you served them any of the variations you 
mentioned, would you call it a Manhattan?

If so... its a Manhattan.

And if anyone put Grenadine in my Manhattan I would come over the bar at them. 
;)

Cheers

-- 
...the bar mix master has spoken.

http://www.barmixmaster.com