Cowboy In Manhattan Recipe

Chill glass

Place your coupe or rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice water while you assemble the drink to ensure it's well chilled.

Measure

Using a jigger measure 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 0.25 oz mezcal, and 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur. Add 2 dashes angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters to the mixing glass.

Add ice and stir

Fill the mixing glass with plenty of fresh ice. Stir briskly with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full turns) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted—this will integrate the mezcal's smoke with the bourbon and vermouth.

Taste & adjust

Optional: taste a small sip (or rinse a chilled glass) to check balance. If you prefer a smokier note, add up to another 0.125 oz mezcal; for a sweeter, more rounded drink, add 0.125 oz sweet vermouth.

Strain

Discard ice or water from your chilled serving glass. Double-strain the stirred cocktail into the chilled coupe or rocks glass using a strainer (and fine strainer if desired) to keep out any small ice shards.

Garnish & serve

Express the oils from an orange peel over the surface by holding the peel skin-side down over the drink and giving it a quick squeeze, then run the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass. Add one maraschino cherry on a pick. Serve immediately.

Ensure all tools are clean and dry. Use the jigger to measure accurately, the bar spoon to stir for proper dilution, and the strainer to keep the drink clear of ice chips. Chill the glass ahead of time to maintain temperature.