The Manhattan Cocktail: what James Bond’s big brother drinks.

Ring in a New Year (or any day for that matter!) with a sophisticated Manhattan Cocktail. While strong and bold in flavor, the sweet and spicy notes have a silky finish that will turn you into one smooth talking person of international mystery. This is the drink of all drinks to share with your refined friends, such as James Bond and Austin Powers.

The Manhattan Cocktail

Yield: 2/3 cup (2 servings)

Active Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 1 minute

4 fl. oz. (120 ml.) whiskey*
2 fl. oz. (60 ml.) sweet vermouth (“Martini Rosso” is nice)
4 heavy dashes of angostura bitters
8 ice cubes
2 Maraschino cherries

1) Combine all ingredients in a Boston shaker and shake until frost begins to form on the outside, then strain. Serve chilled with or without an ice cube, and garnish with a Maraschino cherry (and avoid putting in any cherry juice if you want it to taste like a true Manhattan).

*Chef’s Note: Add your own touch to this drink with the type of whiskey you choose to use. If you tend to like sweeter things, a wheat bourbon like “Makers Mark” is excellent. If you like things a little more spicy, try anything from a bourbon with rye mash (something like “Buffalo Trace”), to a straight rye (like “Rittenhouse 100 Proof Rye”).

Gifting Idea:

Turn this cocktail into an upscale gift by placing it in a bottle dressed up with a black-tie ribbon. Instead of joining the two ends in a traditional bow, wrap the ribbon around the bottle and secure with a label at the front. Keep chilled until ready to enjoy.