There are a lot of versions of the Manhattan out there. And most are excellent but some – not so much. They should be chilled and served up, but on the rocks is accepted in some circles.

Here are the rules:

There must be a whiskey. Preferably Canadian, Rye or Bourbon. There must be sweet vermouth, but there can be sweet AND dry. But sweet must be present. And there needs to be bitters. That’s it. Stick to that and you can play with it a bit. Just know that even though a cherry is an acceptable garnish, cherry juice should stay in the jar.

So here’s my (Actually my Mother Rosalie’s) Perfect Manhattan.

• 3oz Bourbon – MUST be Kentucky – not a sour mash!
• 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
• 3 Dashes aromatic bitters D’Angastora Orange or a Plum

STIR the ingredients in a GLASS Mixer going just one direction so you don’t “Bruise” (dilute) the ice. Once chilled, serve up in a martini glass with a twist of lemon.

You may ad ONE cherry as pictured above if you wish. But don’t eat it until you are done and it has absorbed all the deliciousness! Also, glide the inside of the lemon rind on the rim of your glass for a kiss of citrus when drinking.

Cheers!