Skip to main content

Bulletproof Manhattan

I’m a bourbon drinker, and this reinvented classic cocktail shows off my favorite whiskey in style. I replace the typically used sweet vermouth with the deep sweet-and-sour flavor of cherries, balanced by the spicy undertone of fresh rosemary and warmth of good bourbon.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 2

Ingredients

One 8-ounce jar Amarena Italian cherries or any quality jarred or canned cherries in syrup
1 fresh rosemary sprig, plus more for garnish
4 ounces (1/2 cup) bourbon
Juice of 1/2 lemon

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Strain the cherry syrup into a small pot and add 1/2 cup water. Toss in the rosemary and place over medium heat. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, remove from the heat, and let the rosemary steep in the cherry syrup as it cools to infuse the flavor. Once cool, put the cherries back in the syrup and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 days.

    Step 2

    Combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of the cherry syrup in a shaker with ice; shake it up really well to break the ice into shards. Strain the cocktail into 2 chilled martini glasses. Spear a couple of cherries each on 2 rosemary sprigs and use to garnish the cocktail.

Michael's Genuine Food
Read More
Invert the ratio of gin to vermouth for a party-friendly and slightly lighter drinking experience.
No grill needed for this just-charred-enough sweet and spicy chicken.
Loosely inspired by pasta Amatriciana, a few pounds of zucchini stand in for tomatoes.
Like banana pudding cake and beer can chicken.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.