Cheers, My Darling

1 drink

The Cheers My Darling Manhattan is a slight departure from the classic, taking a short trip between Italy and the Dalmatian coast with its components. The lovely aromatic Montenegro amaro (from Bologna) has slight bitter notes that harmonize the sweet Luxardo (from Croatia) and sweet vermouth (made with various Italian grapes) perfectly. The result is a well-balanced bourbon cocktail, lightly sweet but not too in your face. Look for the imported dark cherries if you can. And please, no cloying maraschinos from your childhood Shirley Temples!

Ice (for shaker)

1 ½ ounces local bourbon

¾ ounce Montenegro amaro

½ ounce Carpano Antica vermouth

½ ounce Luxardo cherry liqueur

2 dashes spiced cherry bitters

3 dark cherries (such as Amarena), for garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Mix all ingredients, except the cherries. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with the dark cherries (or an orange rind if you don’t have cherries).

From Issue

No. 11 / Winter 2020