Manhattan Recipe

Prepare honey syrup (if not prepped)

Combine equal parts local honey and warm water (example: 1/4 cup honey + 1/4 cup warm water) and stir until fully combined and slightly cooled. Transfer to a small bottle and refrigerate. Use 1/2 oz per cocktail.

Chill glass

Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill it with ice water while you build the cocktail to ensure a well-chilled serving vessel.

Build and stir

In a mixing glass, add 6 ice cubes, 1.5 oz Oliver Honey Mead, 1.5 oz Four Roses Bourbon, 1/2 oz local honey syrup, and 3 dashes orange bitters. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full strokes) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted (~20–25% dilution by weight) and the mixing glass is cold to the touch.

Strain

Discard the ice or water from the chilled serving glass. Using a julep or Hawthorne strainer (or a fine mesh if desired), strain the stirred cocktail into the chilled coupe or martini glass.

Garnish and serve

Express the oils from an orange twist by holding it over the drink and giving it a sharp fold or twist, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the drink. Optionally, add a cocktail cherry on a pick. Serve immediately.