This Christmas, we will be serving a holiday cocktail that is actually an updated version of an old O’Connell family recipe. Every Christmas we would gather at my Grandfather’s home, referred to as The Farm, in Redwood City California. Grandpa would mix up the batch of Manhattans in Grandma’s crystal pitcher and keep it in the ice box until he was ready to serve. In those days, he mixed Old Crow Bourbon with an Italian sweet vermouth, a dash of Angostura Bitters, a splash of Maraschino juice, and served it up in a martini glass, garnished with a Maraschino Cherry.
While our current ingredients are a little more sophisticated, the spirit of the cocktail still remains as a fond memory during the holidays.
Dano’s Manhattan Recipe:
Mix 3 ounces of Buffalo Trace Bourbon with 1/2 ounce of Carpano Antica Italian Sweet Vermouth. Add a dash of Angostura Bitters, and a splash of Luxardo Italian Maraschino Juice. Serve in a coup or martini glass garnished with a Luxardo Cherry.
Happy Holidays!
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