A current fascination with Manhattans dictated my order at Manifesto when we stopped by last weekend. While I love the smokey seductiveness of mezcal, and am still big on Old Tom gin, I couldn’t resist the pull of the Grapevine Manhattan.
Manifesto’s interpretation starts with Maison Rouge VSOP Cognac, instead of the traditional whiskey. Lillet Blanc’s citrusy sweetness stands in for vermouth. The Italian-made Averna brings an herbaceous dryness and hint of orange to the mix, while peach bitters round it all out. Stirred, served up in a coupe glass with a little carafe of extra on the side, and whiskey-infused dried cherries to garnish. It may not be what most people think of when they think “Manhattan,” but it’s certainly stayed on my mind.