When the last leaf has hit the brown, dead grass, when you start thinking about bed at 8 P.M on account of it has been dark for the last three and a half hours, when the TV weatherman isn’t sure if its going to rain, sleet, snow or be a soup of all three the following day, it may be time to light a fire in the fireplace or pit, fill up a bowl with some smoked-almonds, put on some 1950’s Jazz and mix yourself a nice, winter drink. Mr. Booze can think of few nicer ways to spend a chilly evening than by oneself or with family and/or a small group of friends and enjoy a smooth, strong pop. There’s just something wonderful about a fire-lit room, conversation (or not), music and the right cocktail. I’m gonna throw four recipes at you that I guarantee will absolutely be the right sipper come these long nights. As always, remember the good ice (not the stuff from the cracking, plastic ice-tray in the back of the deep-freeze), the right glass, and the proper pour (measurements count, folks). Today we’ll start out with the…
The Perfect Manhattan. – I know what your thinking…. A Manhattan? Jeesh, Mr. Booze, I can whip up a Manhattan in my sleep. Well, if you can make a perfect Manhattan, the kind that makes you want another one two-thirds of the way through your first, then move on to number two. I happen to adore a Manhattan, and it has taken me years to perfect mine. It’s my duty to pass on this wisdom. This way, if I ever make it to your house between mid-September and February, I can have a drink and be positive I’ll need you to drive me home after a few hours. Here we go.
–2 ounces good Bourbon or Rye. The choice between the two is really a matter of preference or how you may be feeling that evening. I love Rye. It’s spicy and more peppery than Bourbon, but I also adore the smoky and vanilla flavors of Bourbon. Really good/expensive Bourbon or Rye should be enjoyed with a few cubes of ice only. I save my Small-Batch Bourbons for sipping. I use Early Times, Knob Creek or Makers Mark for my Manhattans. Just depends on how much money you have in your wallet when you hit the liquor store.
- 1 once of Sweet Vermouth
- 4 dashes bitters (orange if you can get ‘em)
- Just a touch (a teaspoon or so) of your Maraschino Cherry Brine.
This adds a beautiful color and a kiss of sweet, which I love…more on this later.