How many versions of the classic Manhattan are there? As many permutations of a three-ingredient cocktail as you can muster. Which is many.
Will you use rye? Bourbon? American single malt? Do you choose French, Italian or Spanish vermouth? Bitters or amaro — and what flavor? Are you a brandied cherry chum or prefer an orange peel at your glass’s rim?
See what we mean? Even within those choices there are choices. Which is why we really dig this particular version. It gets granular! We’re not just talking rye, we’re talking rye finished in rum casks, adding a rich, fruity, crême brûlée edge to the spicy rye. To that, there’s the interesting element of Averna amaro — a bitter but not crazy biting version of the Italian digestif liqueur. And the walnut bitters? Mmmm. Yeah, that earthy edge they lend is the exact right coda on this classic.
Hit up Park Place Wines & Spirits in East Hampton, who not only carry Angels Envy bourbon, but also this special Caribbean rum cask finished rye, and stir up a little dark trouble tonight, South Forkers. Cheers!
Brooding Manhattan
Ingredients
- 2 oz Angels Envy Rye finished in Caribbean rum casks
- 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/2 oz Averna amaro
- 3 dashes walnut bitters
- 1 orange peel
Directions
- Combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well, for about 10 to 15 seconds.
- Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with the orange peel. Cheers!
