Mezcal Manhattan

The MEZCAL MANHATTAN pairs agave-derived mezcal perfectly with sweet vermouth and bitters, just as a regular Manhattan pairs whiskey with sweet vermouth and bitters. The mezcal provides a slightly smoky profile which the sweet vermouth softens, while the orange peel adds freshness. It’s a sophisticated offering for guests and with only three ingredients plus garnish, it’s a quick serve.

Requirements: mezcal (Espadin preferred), sweet vermouth, bitters (Angostura or orange), orange peel, maraschino cherry (optional), cherry syrup (juice from maraschino cherry jar, optional)

• 2 oz. mezcal
• 1 oz. sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters, or 3 dashes orange bitters
• 1 tsp. cherry syrup (optional)
• 1 orange peel, garnish
• 1 maraschino cherry, garnish (optional)

Add the liquid ingredients to an ice-filled mixing glass. Stir for 30 seconds to chill and strain into a chilled coup glass. Garnish with an orange peel and an optional maraschino cherry.

Comments: My preference would be to add the teaspoon of maraschino cherry juice to sweeten the recipe when using Angostura bitters and a maraschino cherry garnish. If orange bitters are used, the orange bitters and peel are sufficient and create a drier, truer mezcal experience.

Since the Mezcal Manhattan pictured above is served like an Old-Fashioned with one large ice cube, it’s unorthodox. The traditional recipe calls for a coup glass served without ice, like a classic Manhattan. However, no cocktail recipe is set in stone, and a large ice cube keeps this particular serving cold for sipping with minimal dilution from the ice.

Similar Cocktails:

Manhattan — https://keetscocktails.com/manhattan-classic/

Highlander — https://keetscocktails.com/highlander/

Rob Roy — https://keetscocktails.com/rob-roy/

Harvard — https://keetscocktails.com/harvard-2/

Division Bell — https://keetscocktails.com/division-bell/