Motor City Manhattan Recipe

Chill glass

Place your serving glass (rocks or coupe) in the freezer for several minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure it is nicely chilled.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass, add 2 oz Traverse City 'Cherry Edition' Whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of orange bitters.

Add ice and stir

Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes (enough to nearly fill). Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture briskly for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full spoon rotations) until well chilled and slightly diluted — the outside of the glass should feel cold and slightly frosted.

Prepare garnish

Discard ice water from your chilled serving glass if used. Use a peeler or small knife to cut a 1-inch wide strip of orange peel, avoiding too much pith. Express the orange oil by holding the peel over the glass, skin side down, and giving it a firm twist to release the oils. Rub the peel around the rim if desired.

Strain and garnish

Using a strainer, strain the chilled cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass over a single large ice cube (optional for rocks) or neat into the coupe. Drop one Luxardo cherry into the drink if using, and garnish with the expressed orange peel (twist and drop or lay on the rim).

Serve

Serve immediately while cold. Suggestion: Offer an extra cherry on the side and note the whiskey's cherry notes that complement the sweet vermouth and orange bitters.

Have the mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer, and peeler ready before starting. Use the peeler/knife carefully to avoid pith. Use chilled glassware for best results.