We could argue all day about what makes up a Classic Manhattan Cocktail. Bourbon or rye? They're both whiskeys—rye a bit drier, bourbon a bit sweeter—so use whichever you prefer. Or maybe you prefer Scotch whiskey or Irish whiskey. Really, go ahead and use whatever brown liquor is in your cupboard. The sweet vermouth, bitters, and cherry will help anything along....
If you were clever enough to put up a jar or two of Spiced Brandied Cherries during cherry season, by all means, use one (or two, or three) in this sophisticated cocktail.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
- 5 Tbsp. bourbon, rye, or whiskey
- 1 Tbsp. sweet vermouth
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Plenty of ice
- 1 or 2 Brandied Cherries or Amarena cherries
Preparation:
In a cocktail shaker, combine liquor, vermouth, and bitters. Add about a cup of ice. If you like your cocktails icy, like I do, cover and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. If you like your cocktails smoother, more velvety in texture, then simply stir the liquid and ice for, again, about 30 seconds. In either case, you want the ice to melt a bit to soften the drink. Strain into a martini or cocktail glass and add a cherry or two.
Note: If you're using homemade Spiced Brandied Cherries, go ahead and add a dash or two of the liquor from the cherries to the cocktail when you shake it.
