I remember tasting whiskey for the first time when I was a twenty-something. I didn’t like it and it burned when it went down the hatch. It was harsh and I was delicate; still young, innocent, and not yet hardened by life’s challenges and adversity.
As life’s arduous journey evolves, so do our taste buds, I guess. Back in the day, I only drank beer. These days, I drink Manhattans.
I suppose our taste buds have been callused and are now more equipped to handle booze that was too strong for our younger selves, or perhaps circumstance makes us crave something a little bit stronger, with a little more kick.
I prefer Bulleit bourbon to whiskey, but that is entirely up to you. My Manhattan is a pinch sweet. The secret ingredient is Luxardo Cherry Syrup. That ingredient cannot change. There is no place for a maraschino cherry in this drink.
You can serve it on the rocks or ‘up’ in a pretty glass like the one shown in the picture. It was my mom’s glass and every time I drink out of it, it reminds me of her.
The Manhattan is subtle yet strong and has a way of warming you from the inside out. When you sip one it sort of feels like you are being wrapped in a cozy blanket or a warm hug.
We could all use one of those right about now.
Here is my version of The Classic Manhattan Cocktail.
The Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker
Ingredients
- 2 parts whiskey I prefer Bulleit Bourbon
- 1 part sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes bitters I prefer Angostura
- 2 tsp cherry juice I prefer Luxardo Cherries
- 2-3 Cherries
Instructions
- Fill up your shaker with ice. Add whiskey, vermouth, bitters and cherry juice.
- Shake ingredients and pour them into the glass of your choice.
- Skewer a few cherries for garnish or gently drop them in the glass.
Notes
- This glass can be served up or on the rocks.
That’s the same recipe I use and only Luxardo cherries 🍒 will do! 😋
Sooooo good! Thank you!!!!