Friday Happy Hour

The Manhattan

1 1/2 oz. Bourbon

3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth

Combine ingredients in a glass with ice. Shake vigorously. Serve up or on the rocks. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

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Yeah, I know it's the easiest drink recipe in the world. Or at least you thought it was. If you knew how many crappy manhattans I have had served to me in bars, you wouldn't be so cocky. Now wipe that smug off your face and listen to me.

First, we start with a good bourbon. Not just any rail swill will do. I personally prefer Maker's Mark, but you can get away with Jim Beam or even Jack Daniel's.

Secondly, proportions are very important. Most people assume that the proportions are like a martini. Nope. For the best manhattan we need a liberal amount of sweet vermouth. A 2:1 ration of bourbon to vermouth is what I use.

Finally. Shake it! Shake it! Shake it! You want the flavors to incorporate and for the drink to be cold. In order to do this, you need to bruise the ice.

When you are finished you will have a manhattan that will get rave reviews. Gerry Casale was a particularly avid fan.