If. you’ve come across the clue “Small amount of Manhattan” in the New York Times Crossword, you’re not alone in being puzzled. This quirky clue has tripped up even seasoned solvers because it seems to hint at geography—but like many NYT clues, it’s far more clever than it looks on the surface.
In this article, we’ll explore:
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The meaning behind “small amount of Manhattan”
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The most common answer to the clue
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Why it’s a classic example of NYT crossword style
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Where to find more crossword context and visuals
Let’s decode it together.
🧩 Understanding the Clue: What Does “Small Amount of Manhattan” Mean?
At first glance, the clue “Small amount of Manhattan” may seem like it’s referring to a piece of New York City’s borough, but in the world of crosswords, it’s usually a clever wordplay with a twist.
You might think of:
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Land – maybe a small piece of Manhattan?
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Real estate – perhaps a narrow space or block?
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Or even a drink – because Manhattan is also a cocktail!
That’s exactly why this clue confuses so many solvers. The NYT crossword is known for double meanings and misdirection.
✅ The Most Likely Answer: SIP
Yes, the most fitting answer to “Small amount of Manhattan” is:
SIP
Let’s break it down:
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Manhattan here doesn’t refer to the NYC borough—instead, it’s a reference to the famous cocktail called a Manhattan, which typically contains whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
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A “small amount” of that drink? That would be a sip.
So the clue is actually a play on words, cleverly using your geographical assumptions to lead you astray. It’s classic New York Times crossword trickery.
🍸 The Manhattan: Not Just a City, But a Drink
For those unfamiliar with the Manhattan cocktail, here’s a quick breakdown:
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Originated in the 1870s in New York City
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Traditionally made with:
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2 oz rye whiskey
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1 oz sweet vermouth
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2 dashes bitters
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Garnished with a cherry
This drink is strong, elegant, and timeless—just like the NYT crossword.
So when the puzzle says “small amount of Manhattan,” it’s simply talking about a sip of the drink, not a piece of land.
📸 See Manhattan Through the Lens of NYT
If you’re curious about how The New York Times connects to Manhattan visually and culturally, check out this stunning image of the NYT headquarters in Manhattan:
👉 The New York Times Offices in Manhattan – Alamy
This iconic building symbolizes both the journalistic power and the puzzle culture that has emerged around the NYT’s daily crosswords—many of which include witty clues like “small amount of Manhattan.”
🧠 Why This Clue Is So Brilliant
There are several reasons why clues like “small amount of Manhattan” continue to impress crossword enthusiasts:
🔄 1. Dual Meaning (Wordplay)
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The clue has two valid interpretations (a drink and a place).
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The correct answer depends on recognizing the trap and thinking sideways.
🧩 2. Economy of Words
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Only five simple words, yet so much layered meaning.
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NYT puzzles value elegance and minimalism in their clue design.
🏙️ 3. Cultural Reference
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New Yorkers immediately relate to both the borough and the cocktail.
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Solvers from outside the U.S. might need to learn a new cultural term—adding a trivia aspect.
📅 Where Else Has This Clue Appeared?
Clues similar to “small amount of Manhattan” have made appearances in various crossword puzzles, especially in Mini and Monday editions, where the tone is light and playful.
Some examples:
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“Tiny taste of a cocktail” → SIP
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“Bit of bourbon” → SIP
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“Swig, but smaller” → SIP
It’s a recurrent trick, but always satisfying once solved.
💡 Tips to Solve NYT Crossword Clues Like This
Here are 5 expert tips to solve cleverly misleading clues like this one:
1. Think Outside the Literal Meaning
When you read “Manhattan,” ask: is this a place or something else?
2. Watch for Double Entendres
NYT loves puns and wordplay. Assume there’s a trick.
3. Go With Your Gut (Then Challenge It)
Your first thought might be right—or it might be bait.
4. Solve Surrounding Clues First
Let crosses fill in one or two letters. Often, a single vowel helps solve ambiguous clues.
5. Study Common Crossword Words
Words like SIP, TOT, DRAM, and DROP often appear in clues involving drinks.
💬 Final Thoughts
The next time you see a clue like “small amount of Manhattan” in the NYT crossword, you’ll be ready to decode it with confidence. It’s not about geography—it’s about cocktails, culture, and clever wordplay.
The answer SIP is just three letters, but it packs a punch—just like the drink it references and the puzzle it’s featured in.
Want more clue breakdowns like this? Bookmark echorankit.com, where we explore the smartest and trickiest crossword clues every week.
