How To Make an Excellent Classic Manhattan

A classic drink to make at home is a Manhattan. I usually order one when out to eat but hate paying the $12 for a good one. Here's how to make one - or two - at home.

To create 2 Manhattans, FIRST, select the proper glassware. For me, the choice is my twisted whiskey glasses.

Next, stab 2 maraschino cherries from the jar onto 2 large fancy cocktail toothpicks. Place one each in the glasses, along with 1 or 2 clear, purified water ice cubes in each glass. Set the glasses aside. Now it’s time to go to work…

Let us move on to the whiskey. Select a higher proof bourbon or rye, so the booze doesn’t get diluted in the rest of the ingredients. I chose the Knob Creek 11 Year Single Barrel Reserve Small Batch bourbon that rings in at an impressive 120 proof.

Place 4 to 6 ice cubes into a cocktail mixing glass.

Measure out 8 ounces of bourbon and dump into the same mixing glass.

Use a splash of sweet vermouth and a splash of dry vermouth, perhaps a half-ounce of each, and deposit them into the mixing glass.

Add 3 to 4 dashes of Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters.

Here's the secret to giving it that sweet finish. Put a spoonful of juice from the maraschino cherries jar and toss that in. Along with using top-notch ingredients, this is the secret magic. Trust me.

Give it a good stir with a long cocktail mixing spoon. Now, cap the mixing glass with the strainer and pour the golden liquid concoction into your whiskey glasses that have been waiting patiently the entire time. Garnish each drink with a slice of orange peel. Truly, this makes THE DIFFERENCE!

You know what to do next. Remember, it’s a sipper, not s shooter. You’re out of college now.

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