A Sweet Manhattan served on-the-rocks with added herbal complexity and an all-important splash and dash or two of New Orleans bitters.
Driven by comments...
While purging off the last of some Laphroaig 10 the other day, in an already depleted bar stock, I came up with this take, and was surprised how enjoyable it was: 3/4 oz Laphroaig 10, 3/4 oz Cinzano Rosso, 1 oz B&B, 2 dashes each Peychaud's and Angostura, served up in a coupe, orange twist. The next day, I leveled out the measures of Laphroaig and B&B (25 ml), while keeping the vermouth the same, and it's fascinating how the whisky leapt much more forward. Not sure which I prefer.
I am just back from visiting New Orleans and had this cocktail in several bars (tho the Carousel Bar was not one of them). One was served up in a chilled cocktail glass, at the other two it was on the rocks, and I've seen recipes from several sources differ on that. I prefer up vs. on the rocks - but is there a "correct" approach, or is it just personal preference? Either way it's a fantastic cocktail, one of my new favs...
After additional experimentation, I now bump Rye and Cognac (I really like that blend), and Sweet Vermouth to 1 oz each; 1/2 oz Dom B; 3 dashes Peychauds; 2 dashes Angostura. And I now generally serve it "up." It's a good sized drink, and for a smaller one Mr. Difford's proportions work very well as well. I just like slightly more of the Benedictine. Cheers to all!
That's exactly how I make it as well. It's practically two drinks in one with the amount of booze in there, but it's such a great cocktail that I don't mind at all. In fact, I have one in front of me right now.
One of my favourites. I tend to bust out the rarely-used 25ml jigger for this, along with a very generous bar spoon of Benedictine. And I garnish with a lemon twist wrapped around a maraschino cherry. Great drink.