THE BRUCE SHARPE MANHATTAN

My father’s favorite cocktail was the Manhattan, and it was the drink of choice for family holidays. The key, he always said, was the final splash of cherry juice. He has since passed away, but every year we honor his birthday with a Bruce Sharpe-style Manhattan on the rocks (and a good steak).

-Shannon Sharpe

Ingredients

2 ½ ounces of your preferred bourbon or rye (Bruce preferred bourbon)

Bitters

Ice

1 ounce sweet vermouth

Maraschino cherries in their juice

Directions

Add a few bitters to a chilled cocktail glass, slowly rolling from side to side to coat the glass. Shake out the excess, leaving only the residue and add ice. Pour the bourbon (or rye), sweet vermouth and a splash of cherry juice (this is the key) into the glass. Stir gently (shaking creates tiny bubbles, which is not ideal for a smooth Manhattan) until ingredients are well mixed. Garnish with as many cherries as desired.