Smooth Bourbon Manhattan Delight
Experience the rich and nuanced flavors of a classic Bourbon Manhattan Delight, tailored for those who appreciate a more robust alternative to martinis. This cocktail expertly blends high-quality bourbon with smooth sweet vermouth, accented by a dash of bitters and a hint of cherry juice. The result is a perfectly balanced and irresistible drink that showcases the warmth of bourbon while remaining refreshingly light on the palate. Ideal for cozy evenings or celebratory gatherings!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bourbon
2 ounces (Use a good quality bourbon, such as Maker's Mark.)
Sweet Vermouth
3/4-1 ounce (Adjust according to taste.)
Angostura Bitters
2-3 dashes (Or use orange bitters if available.)
Cherry Juice
1 teaspoon (Use juice from a jar of maraschino cherries.)
Maraschino Cherry
1 (Preferably on its stem for garnish.)
Instructions
1
Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice cubes.
2
Pour in the bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and cherry juice.
3
Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients thoroughly.
4
Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail (martini) glass.
5
Carefully let the maraschino cherry drop to the bottom of the glass as a garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Smooth Bourbon Manhattan Delight?
It is a robust yet balanced cocktail that blends high-quality bourbon with sweet vermouth, bitters, and a hint of cherry juice.
What type of bourbon is recommended for this recipe?
A high-quality bourbon like Maker's Mark is recommended for the best flavor.
How much bourbon is used in one serving?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of bourbon per serving.
What is the ratio of sweet vermouth to bourbon?
Use between 3/4 to 1 ounce of sweet vermouth for every 2 ounces of bourbon.
Can I use orange bitters instead of Angostura bitters?
Yes, orange bitters can be used as an alternative if Angostura bitters are unavailable.
Why is cherry juice added to this Manhattan?
A teaspoon of cherry juice is added to provide a subtle hint of sweetness and depth to the drink.
What is the proper way to mix this cocktail?
The ingredients should be stirred gently in a mixing glass with ice rather than shaken.
How long should I stir the Manhattan?
Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to ensure the drink is properly chilled and combined.
What type of glass should I serve this in?
A chilled cocktail glass, also known as a martini glass, is the ideal choice.
Should I use ice in the final serving glass?
No, the mixture is strained into a chilled glass without ice.
What is the recommended garnish?
A single maraschino cherry, preferably with its stem, is used as a garnish.
How many calories are in this cocktail?
Specific nutritional data is not provided, but it consists primarily of spirits and a small amount of sugar from vermouth and juice.
Is this cocktail considered sweet or dry?
It is a balanced drink featuring sweet vermouth and cherry juice, making it smoother and sweeter than a dry martini.
Can I substitute bourbon with rye whiskey?
While you can use rye, this specific recipe is designed to highlight the warmth and smoothness of bourbon.
How much cherry juice should I add?
One teaspoon of juice from the maraschino cherry jar is sufficient.
Do I need a shaker for this recipe?
No, a mixing glass and a stirrer are preferred to maintain the clarity of the cocktail.
What is the purpose of the Angostura bitters?
The bitters act as a flavor balancer, adding complexity and cutting through the sweetness of the vermouth.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is portioned for exactly 1 serving.
Is this drink suitable for celebratory gatherings?
Yes, its elegant presentation and classic profile make it perfect for celebrations and cozy evenings.
Should I chill the glass before serving?
Yes, straining the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass helps maintain the ideal temperature.
Can I adjust the amount of vermouth?
Yes, you can adjust the sweet vermouth between 3/4 and 1 ounce according to your personal taste preference.
What happens if I shake the drink instead of stirring?
Shaking can over-aerate and cloud the drink; stirring is preferred for a smooth, clear Manhattan.
Is the cherry juice necessary?
While optional, it is a key component of this 'Delight' variation for added flavor.
What is the texture of this drink?
The drink has a smooth, silky texture due to the stirring method and the inclusion of sweet vermouth.
How many dashes of bitters are needed?
The recipe recommends using 2 to 3 dashes of bitters.
Where do I put the cherry garnish?
Carefully drop the maraschino cherry to the bottom of the glass after straining the liquid.
Is this drink stronger than a martini?
It is described as a more robust alternative to a martini, though both are spirit-forward cocktails.
Can I use dry vermouth instead?
This recipe specifically calls for sweet vermouth; using dry vermouth would result in a different cocktail known as a 'Perfect Manhattan' or a 'Dry Manhattan'.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe falls under the Beverages category.
How much ice should I use for mixing?
Fill your mixing glass about halfway with ice cubes before adding the liquid ingredients.