The Manhattan Project – Irresistible Manhattan

Let me start this post by reassuring everyone that my “Manhattan Project” has nothing to do with creating or exploding any sort of bomb. It’s about enjoying a slightly sweet bourbon drink. Bourbon is a favorite with the men in our family making it the perfect star of a Father’s Day weekend cocktail.

My Manhattan Project started with the group of friends we have through Eric’s work in the power generation industry. Some of these friends are with the same company and some are with other facets of the industry. As do some of the other wives, I sometimes have the good fortune to accompany Eric on business trips. (I am partial to Florida during a New England winter, South Carolina in the fall and California any time, although that last one has yet to happen for me.) When we meet at the bar after a group dinner, 3 of the guys order Manhattans, classically made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The Manhattans ordered by our group are very different from each other and specific to the person ordering it. John S orders his with Makers Mark Bourbon, John R’s is with Royal Crown Canadian Whisky, and Eric D prefers his made with brandy. Always looking for new culinary experiences and being fond of whiskey myself, I experimented with a few Manhattan recipes after the last time we were with the Manhattan group. I can’t say that I was fond of any of the versions our friends drink. (Sorry, guys!) I’m partial to a touch more sweetness in my cocktails. I found my new favored cocktail in this “Irresistible Manhattan”. Thanks for the inspiration, guys!

Irresistible Manhattan

Irresistible Manhattan

Irresistible Manhattan (adapted from drinkswap.com)   Makes 1 drink

irresistible manhattan (2)

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 2 ounces sweet vermouth
  • 2 ounces almond liqueur
  • 2 dashes bitters
  • 1 maraschino cherry, bourbon cherry and/or orange slice for garnish

    Shake or stir this Manhattan.

    Shake or stir this Manhattan.

Directions:

Add the bourbon, vermouth, & almond liqueur to a cocktail shaker half filled with ice or into a small pitcher. Shake or stir to combine the ingredients. Pour the cocktail into an ice filled old-fashioned glass and garnish with a cherry or orange slice.

Thanks for the inspiration, guys!

Thanks for the inspiration, guys!

Happy Father’s Day weekend to all the Dads out there!  ~Linda

Irresistible Manhattan (adapted from drinkswap.com)   Makes 1 drink

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 2 ounces sweet vermouth
  • 2 ounces almond liqueur
  • 2 dashes bitters
  • 1 maraschino cherry, bourbon cherry and/or orange slice for garnish

Directions:

Add the bourbon, vermouth, & almond liqueur to a cocktail shaker half filled with ice or into a small pitcher. Shake or stir to combine the ingredients. Pour the cocktail into an ice filled old-fashioned glass and garnish with a cherry or orange slice.