Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
In the grand tradition of coffee snobbery and the snooty tea thread, and in the interest of not messing up the scotch thread, this is the thread where I (and others) can enthuse about their favorite cocktails. This is a snooty Scooby beverage thread, so just be prepared to be mocked the first time you mention anything with Red Bull. As Peggy Olson would say, "that's not a cocktail, that's an emergency."I'm a lover of rye-based cocktails, particularly in the winter. The first time I had a properly made Manhattan—so often awful when made with bourbon, a mediocre vermouth, and bargain basement maraschino cherries—was a revelation. So at the risk of giving a recipe that you can probably find anywhere, here is the recipe for a proper Manhattan.3 parts rye whiskey (Rittenhouse is a very good affordable rye for cocktails)1 part (good) sweet vermouth (Carpano Antica, with it's awesome vanilla notes is the gold standard, IMO)bitters to taste (Angostura is fine. I use Fee Brothers Barrel Aged Bitters or even Cherry bitters if the mood hits)Combine in the glass part of a Boston shaker with ice. Stir for about 45 seconds. And strain into a chilled martini glass or a highball glass if you don't want to feel a bit more masculine. If you want a cherry garnish, splurge for Luxardo cherries or make your own cocktail cherries (in the summer). Otherwise, a lemon twist is also quite nice.Other great rye cocktails are the Remember the Maine (I'm going to a Mexican restaurant that does a cocktail substituting the rye in this drink with blanco tequila tonight, will report back), the Boulevardier (basically a Negroni made with rye or bourbon, credit to kutta), the classic Sazerac, and even an Old Fashioned (old style Old Fashioneds without the muddled fruit are particularly good with rye).