A few weeks back, if you recall, we paid a visit to Spiritopia just outside of Corvallis, Oregon. While we were there we picked up some Bourbon Style Apple Brandy and have been tinkering with different ways to enjoy this wonderful liqueur. Now, on occasion Nancy and I like to enjoy the classic cocktail known as a Manhattan. A friend of ours introduced us to the Manhattan a couple of years ago at our Christmas get together. We were quite smitten with the drinks complex flavors and the warm afterglow it provided after sipping through it. We use Bourbon in our Manhattans so I thought–hey with the flavor of the Bourbon Style Apple Brandy–they just might go well together. Well I’m happy to report they did! We tweeked our standard Manhattan recipe and came up with a cocktail that we called a winner, the “Big Apple” Manhattan. Here is what you will need to make your own “Big Apple” Manhattan…
–One ounce Buffalo Trace Bourbon
–One ounce of Spiritopia’s Boubon Style Apple Brandy
–One ounce of Dry French Vermouth
–A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters
–One Italian Toschi Sour Black Cherry (this is a must have as Maraschinos just don’t compare or cut it)
–And a twist of lemon
To construct your “Big Apple” Manhattan you’ll need one of those liquor measuring things otherwise known as a jigger, a cocktail shaker to mix things up in, and a long mixing spoon. Start off by placing two or three nice sized ice cubes in the shaker. Next, measure out and pour in the Bourbon, Apple Brandy, and Vermouth. Then add in a few dashes of bitters. But not too much as they will overpower the final result!! Four maybe five shakes is all it takes. Now give it all a nice vigorous STIR. Hee hee, he said vigorous stir. We have been told by a very qualified expert (whom we will name in a later post) that a Manhattan should be stirred and not shaken. Given the uber high quality results of this persons cocktail craftsmanship we hold that stirring is a truth in this arena. Finally pour your “Big Apple” Manhattan into your favorite cocktail glass and enjoy! Cheers!!
–Mike
