Nikka Manhattan Recipe

Chill glass

Place a coupe or rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice water while you build the cocktail to ensure the final drink is well chilled.

Add 2 oz Nikka Coffey Whiskey, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, 0.25 oz St-Germain, 1 dash rose water, and 1 dash Angostura bitters to a mixing glass.

Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes (enough to come near the top). Stir gently but steadily with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds, or until the outside of the mixing glass feels very cold and the liquid is properly diluted (about 15–20% dilution for spirit-forward stirred cocktails).

Discard ice or water from the chilled serving glass. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe or into a rocks glass over one large ice cube, using a Hawthorne or julep strainer and a fine mesh strainer if you prefer a perfectly clear drink.

Express the oils from an orange peel over the surface of the cocktail by holding the peel skin-side down about 3 inches above the drink and giving it a sharp twist. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass, then drop it into the drink as garnish.

Serve immediately.