It was several years ago at a restaurant in New York City, when 3 couples came in from the cold, and half of us ordered Makers Mark Old Fashions. Our waiter was sorry to inform us that they had no oranges, which are a critical component of a properly made O.F.
My friend Ted seemed just fine enjoying his Makers Mark perfect Manhattan while we debated what to order. I took the plunge and had my first Manhattan cocktail, and I totally enjoyed it.
Flash back to the future and having enjoyed this cocktail for a few years I have tweaked it to my ideal version. Purists may not like it, but I really couldn't give a rat's ass what they think. Here is the recipe I like:
- Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice water (if you were foolish enough to not have a few glasses in the freezer for cocktail emergencies.)
- In good size cocktail shaker add ice 2/3 of the way up
- Add 3-4 ounces of Makers Mark (or another quality Bourbon or whiskey)
- Add 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- Add 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
- Add several healthy dashes of Angostura Bitters
- Add teaspoon of cherry juice (this is what the purists hate)
- Shake mixture vigorously
- Strain into chilled glass and add cherry (and optional orange peel twist)
You don't have to use the standard maraschino cherries, although out of convenience, I usually do. When in Vegas, one of my favorite restaurants, Roy's Hawaiian Fusion, makes a killer Manhattan during their "Aloha Hour". They use Luxardo Italian cherries, which are less sweet and very dark red. I can find them on line, but run $20.00 for a small jar. Maybe I'll treat myself and order one, since winter is almost over and Martini season is around the corner.
