The Manhattan...My way.

So I had a few things on hand that were traditional Manhattan and a few things that were not. To quote an incredible smart individual, "Originality is nothing but judicious imitation", that old chap was Voltaire.

While the origins of the Manhattan are disputed, I do know this much for sure: it's Whiskey (usually Rye), Vermouth, and Bitters, three simple ingredients. What makes this cocktail yours is all a matter of choice and proportion. Some people make 1:1, 4:1, 10:1. Me, personally I go with the 4:1, which translates into 2 ounces and .5 ounce, but for the spin I changed. Also, you'll notice in my Manhattan I added a Ginger Liqueur and used rhum instead of whiskey. The change in base changes the flavor profile a lot, and Canton serves as a flavoring agent and modifier which results in a Manhattan with a bit off the edge taken off and a subtle ginger note and warmth.

My Manhattan
2.0 ounce Barbancourt Trois Etoile
0.5 ounce Domaine Du Canton (DDC) Ginger Liqueur
0.5 ounce Noilly Pratt Rouge
2 Dashes West Indian Orange Bitters
1 Bar spoon Luxardo Marasche Cherry Juice
Marasche Cherries for garnish

Stir, serve up, garnish and enjoy.

Really though, there's no A, B, or O. I promise.

So as usual, I had things lying around and after being summoned to a social situation; I arrived "bearing gifts" as the hostess yelled. Truly, I'd bought no gifts, just accents to embellish upon what was already present. In short, a friend had some gin and I thought "Self, we've got the perfect thing to mix with that!" That's how it all began.

Between the hosts and I we had, Tanqueray, Blood Orange Juice, Ground Coriander, and Dolin Dry. I played around a bit evaluating and taking note of what this and this did and what would happen if there was more of this; such is what mixology is about, the study of combining. Here were my findings...well actually, my findings by playing with four ingredients were numerous. Try it and figure it out yourself! In the end I found that:

2.0 ounces Tanqueray
0.5 ounces Dolin Dry
0.5 ounces Blood Orange Juice
Pinch Ground Coriander
Shaken & Served Up,

works just swimmingly! Cheers to the Bloody Martini, enjoy! Pictures to come!