The Classic Manhattan

I told my husband I wanted to call this the “Quarantine Desperado”.

But apparently this cocktail has a name already! Let’s get you going with the ingredients, because no one has time to go through the huge story about what we are going through right now, or where the Manhattan originated from, etc. Etc.

Ingredients:

3 ounces of Whiskey (I prefer Rye for most cocktails)

1 ounce Vermouth (mix dry and sweet in equal parts if you have it)

2 dashes of Bitters

1 tablespoon of cherry juice (from inside the cherry jar)

Maraschino cherries for garnish

This recipe could not be more simple. Once all ingredients are added to a mixer with ice, just stir and pour into your favorite glass and add the cherry for garnish. That’s it!

I’ve added a large ice sphere to mine here for the dramatic affect, but also because I love every cocktail to be super chilled. Your choice!

I’ve used coupe glasses for this cocktail because I love how elegant these look. Lowball glasses are also perfect for a Manhattan.

Cheers to another several weeks of Quarantine! However we get through this, is how we get through it. Hang in there, folks!

The Classic Old Fashioned.

Well, folks. Unless you’re living under a rock, you are living through the same thing I am with this COVID-19 madness. We are in the Seattle area, ground zero if you may, and we are running out of ideas on what to do!

But have no fear. Whiskey is here.

I want to give you guys our go-to Old Fashioned recipe. It will cure the virus! Pretty sure!! It’s worth a shot!!

Alright. Let’s get you started on the ingredients list. I know it’s hard to find ingredients right now, but I believe in the future.

Recipe is for 2 drinks, because either you drink with a friend/partner, or you have 2.

What you’ll need:

– 4 oz. Rye Whiskey (I’ll list our favorites below later)

– 1 oz. Simple syrup

– 3 shakes of bitters

– 1 tablespoon of real maraschino cherry juice (this is important! Not the regular maraschino cherry you use for ice cream, it’s definitely not the same.)

– 1 orange peel for garnish

Pro Tip: if you don’t have simple syrup on hand, it’s super easy to make! This is what I use for cakes too, so make extra for dessert. Equal part sugar, equal part water. Boil until the water is clear. Cool and use for your cocktail. Will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks!

A note on Rye Whiskey. The reason we use Rye Whiskey is because it’s a bit sweeter and smokier than regular single malt or irish whiskey. It’s also quite smooth, if you’re not used to drinking whiskey like a cowboy. There are many great Ryes out there, and a few of our favorite brands are Bulleit, Knob Creek, Woodford Reserve, and also a special shout out to an awesome option, our local Woodinville Whiskey Co., they are amazing.

I use a mixer filled with ice, adding all the ingredients at once to chill. Keep the orange peel and cherry for later for a garnish.

Strain the drinks into a lowball glass with a huge piece of ice. It works great the bigger the ice cube.

And here you go folks. Add your garnish and serve this to your favorite person! You’ll look like you know what you’re doing. What’s better than knowing what to order at a bar, and even better, making it at home?

Cheers!