RICKY GOES TO MANHATTAN

Semi-homemadeSome assembly requiredFrom scratchWhole FoodsMost grocersTrader Joe'sDrinks
Written By Cork & Cashews

DEDICATION

This recipe is dedicated to my grandpa, who made me my first Manhattan and always carries Tootsie Pops for his grandkids — my favorite was always the cherry one. Basil Hayden is his bourbon of choice, and this chocolate cherry twist is dedicated in tribute to his warmth, love of tradition, and unmistakable sweet tooth. Cheers, Grandpa. 🥃

 

Recipe makes one serving.

NO-RECIPE RECIPE

Think of this as your classic Manhattan with a cherry-chocolate twist. Make 2 dark chocolate-covered bourbon cherries, and, once cooled, muddle one chocolate-covered cherry in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, 1 tbsp of cherry syrup (from bourbon cherry jar), and 3 dashes of chocolate bitters to the mixing glass, add ice, and stir until chilled. Strain into a drinking glass and finish with a dark chocolate-covered bourbon cherry. Optional: you can remove the ice instead of straining and add the muddled cherry to your drinking glass for an untraditional but decadent finish.

STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE

  1. Make the Garnish: Melt a small handful of dark chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, microwaving for 30 seconds at a time, stirring, and repeating until melted. Dip and coat two bourbon cherries in melted dark chocolate to create your dark chocolate-covered bourbon cherries. Let them cool and set completely (fridge or freezer works).

  2. Muddle One Cherry: In a mixing glass, muddle one of the dark chocolate-covered bourbon cherries.

  3. Assemble the Drink: In the same mixing glass, pour in 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, 1 tbsp of cherry syrup (from a bourbon cherry jar), and 3 dashes of chocolate bitters.

  4. Stir & Chill: Add ice to the mixing glass and stir until the drink is well chilled.

  5. Strain, Pour, & Garnish: Strain the drink into your drinking glass and garnish with the second chocolate-covered cherry. Optional: you can remove the ice instead of straining and add the muddled cherry to your drinking glass for an untraditional but decadent finish.

INGREDIENTS

  • Basil Hayden Bourbon (2 oz)

  • Sweet Vermouth (1 oz)

  • Cherry Syrup (1 tbsp, from bourbon cherries or homemade cherry simple syrup)

  • Chocolate Bitters (3 dashes)

  • Dark Chocolate Chips (Small Handful)

  • Bada Bing Bourbon Cherry (2)

EASY SWAPS & TWISTS

  • Bourbon: Not a Basil Hayden fan? Try Woodford Reserve or Maker’s Mark.

  • Homemade Cherry Syrup: Feeling extra? Make your own cherry syrup with equal parts water, sugar, and fresh or frozen cherries with a dash of lemon or lime juice over low heat until stewed.

  • Bitters: Swap chocolate bitters for orange or cherry bitters for a slightly different vibe.

  • Garnish: No time for chocolate-covered cherries? A simple Luxardo cherry works beautifully.

 
Cork & Cashews
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