J. Gilbert’s Barrel-aged Manhattan Recipe

Prepare barrel and mix

Sanitize a small oak barrel or stave by rinsing with hot water. Combine 24 oz Maker's Mark bourbon, 12 oz Italian sweet vermouth, and 12 dashes orange bitters in a sanitized container. Add 1/2 cup Amarena cherries (including a tablespoon or two of their syrup) to the mixture. Pour the combined mix into the barrel, leaving a small headspace.

Age

Seal the barrel and store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Taste after 48 hours, then every 24 hours. Depending on oak intensity and barrel size, age 3–7 days until the spirit has taken on light oak fragrance and the vermouth and cherry notes have integrated. Smaller barrels may take less time; larger staves may require several weeks. Remove cherries after flavor is balanced to avoid over-sweetening.

Finish and filter

When aging is complete, rack the barrel contents through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a sanitized bottle. Discard solids. Top up with bourbon if needed to reach desired volume. Store bottled blend refrigerated or in a cool dark place; consume within a few months for best freshness.

Fill a mixing glass with large ice cubes (enough to nearly fill the glass).

Measure 3 oz of the barrel-aged Manhattan blend into the mixing glass. (If you do not have a pre-aged batch, combine 2 oz Maker's Mark, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes orange bitters in the mixing glass and proceed to stir for a fresh Manhattan.)

Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for 30–45 seconds until well-chilled and appropriately diluted (approx. 20–25% dilution depending on ice). Use a smooth, even back-and-forth motion to keep the drink clear and silky.

Place a coupe or chilled rocks glass on the bar. Use a strainer to double-strain the cocktail into the serving glass to remove any tiny ice chips or residue.

Garnish with an Amarena cherry: skewer one cherry and place it in the glass, or float it on top. Express an orange twist over the cocktail to release the oils, rub the rim with the peel if desired, then drop the twist into the drink.

Serve immediately. This cocktail is best enjoyed slightly cold, with bright cherry and citrus notes balanced by oak and rich bourbon.

Combine 2 oz Maker's Mark bourbon, 1 oz Italian sweet vermouth and 2 dashes orange bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir 30–45 seconds, strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass, garnish with an Amarena cherry and orange twist.