Thirsty Thursday: Megan's Manhattan

Here I am traveling the Great Lakes and have been able to enjoy beautiful views such as this:

View from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park -Lake Michigan

And now we are in Buffalo, NY for a couple of weeks.  I have to say we miss the amazing waters, quaint little towns, and beautiful beaches.   Here is how my conversation went at the bar last night:

  Man:  Are you from here?

  Me:  No, I am from California

  Man:  Oh wow, what brings you to Buffalo?

  Me:  Well, I work on a private yacht and we are here for a couple of weeks.

  Man:  You work on a private yacht?  Like for rich people?

  Me:  Yep, I know random.

  Silence

  Man:  Well, I pretty much think you are full of BS

  Me:  What do you mean?

  Man:  There is no way a private yacht for rich people would be spending a couple weeks in Buffalo.

I think that pretty much sums it up.   This week since I am in need of a drink that doesn't hold anything back and am in New York, I decided to do a classic in the Crosby family:  Manhattans.

According to Wikipedia, the Manhattan Cocktail started in the early 1870's at the Manhattan Club in New York City.  It consists of Whiskey, Bitters, and Vermouth.   It says that it was traditionally served with Rye Whiskey but Bourbon has become the most popular.  For the person who loves random facts, it also says that this is the traditional drink of the North Frisian island of Föhr.  If you go there, it is at every restaurant and is the drink of the locals.  Mmmm, interesting.  I will add it to my list.

Back to Crosby Manhattan history:  My grandfather loved Manhattans and even had a traveling bar set for vacations.   He always had a batch mixed up in the freezer.  When I was finally 21, this was my first cocktail with my grandpa.   I also had an early love for the bourbon soaked maraschino cherries I begged my mom to give me from her drink.   Here is the Crosby classic with a Megan twist.

2 Shots Makers Mark Bourbon (my favorite)
Splash of Sweet Vermouth
Splash of Maraschino Cherry Juice

Mix together and pour over ice.   Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice and enjoy!

If you have one of these, you will be feeling no pain.  If you have two of these, you won't even care where you are currently located :)