Dubonnet Manhattan

I'm making a lot of Manhattan variations to prove that there are many ways to make this classic cocktail. This one falls in the Sweet Manhattan category, using the sweet Dubonnet Rouge instead of Italian Sweet vermouth. Vermouth and Dubonnet are both bitter wine spirits, but Dubonnet adds even more richness, and that is easy to appreciate.

I grounded this Manhattan in the U.S. with MurLarkey Heritage whiskey. So that while this is a French Manhattan, it tastes very Virginia. Heritage is a straight whiskey, but it is so different from bourbon or rye that it is kind of its own thing. It has a strong corn presence, so I felt it was ideal to use it in a drink with Dubonnet, which tends to smother base liquors in cocktails.

• 1 1/2 oz. blended whiskey (MurLarkey Heritage used)
• 1 oz. Duboennt Rouge
• maraschino cherry

Combine liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry.