Wednesday, April 30, 2014

The Big Cherry

The first weekend of May is almost upon us. This usually makes me happy for two very specific reasons. The Derby and Cinco De Mayo. And, this week in particular, I am going to concentrate on the Derby. My mom lives for horse races and we usually watch it together. Or more so, she screams at the tv and I watch in amusement. 

Churchill Downs is quite the place to visit. But to me it means one thing...bourbon drinks. While the official drink of the Derby is a Mint Julep, I like to concoct my own creations using Kentucky's finest. I will have a few for you to try out this week and first up is my spin on a proper Manhattan. A total classic. My take is nowhere close to being old school, but that doesn't make it any less tasty. 

3/4 oz sweet vermouth
2 1/2 oz cherry infused bourbon
1 dash Angostura® bitters
maraschino cherry
1 twist orange peel

Combine the vermouth, cherry infused bourbon, and bitters with ice in a mixing glass. Stir gently. Place the cherry in a chilled cocktail glass and strain the whiskey mixture over the cherry. Rub the cut edge of the orange peel over the rim of the glass and twist it over the drink to release the oils but don't drop it in.

To make cherry infused bourbon, buy a jar of cherries. drain cherries, reserving 2 oz of the cherry juice. In a mason jar, add cherries, cherry juice, 2 oz Berentzen Wild Cherry liquer and 4 oz bourbon. Place lid on tighely and place in fridge at least over night. Can stay in fridge for a few months. I also used the bourbon soaked cherry to garnish. 

Sit back and enjoy the Derby!

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