Bald Borough
A brief break from the summery cocktails for something dark and boozy. For me, this type of drink is always in season, though admittedly enjoyed inside more than out in the intense heat. It’s a Manhattan riff, subbing some of the sweet vermouth for Amontillado sherry and Fernet Vallet. Both of these are fairly dry, so a touch of syrup helps balance the equation.
The drink reads similar to the bittersweet black Manhattan— even moreso if you stick with a cola-forward amaro. The fernet brings a nice touch of cardamom and citrus, which is a nice complement to the nutty, raisiny sherry. Instead of a typical spicy rye, I went with a nice red wine-barrel aged whiskey kindly sent by @twoeaglesdistillery, which reads slightly sweet. The subtle winey tannins work well with the fortified wines and hint of cherry.
Recipe
1.75oz whiskey (@twoeaglesdistillery m, gifted)
0.5oz sweet vermouth (@anticaformula_official)
0.25oz Amontillado (@bodegaslustau)
0.25oz Fernet Vallet (@royalvallet)
Barspoon rich root beer syrup (see post 4/24/23)
1 dash cherry bitters (@woodfordreserve)
1 dash cardamom bitters (@scrappysbitters)
Stir, strain into Nick & Nora, garnish with cherry and orange twist. Cheers!!
