Old Hat

     One of my favorite patrons came in the other night and as per usual requested something a little more unusual. His wife wanted something similar to a Manhattan but slightly different. She explained that she also loved Old Fashioned but wanted something adventurous for the evening. Why not find a nice middle ground, I thought. I had some walnut-pecan syrup I've been playing around with and figured this would also work nicely. A good stir,strain, and a quick taste... The drink presented itself with an upfront sweetness, blending into a more familiar Manhattan feel, and finishing with a nice nuttiness. All in all a great drink especially for the season.

Old Hat
2 oz. Rittenhouse 100 Bonded Rye
1/2 walnut-pecan syrup (great on pancakes)
1/2 oz. Sweet Vermouth (Cocchi di Torino)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
-stir and strain over Tevelo ice cube
-orange twist garnish

The Tipperary

     The Tipperary is a great rendition of the classic Manhattan, in which Green Chartreuse is substituted in place of the bitters. But the great debate becomes, as per usual, upon the ratios. I personally prefer a cocktail of (in oz.) 2:3/4:1/2... being Irish whiskey to sweet vermouth and Chartreuse. As most of my bar patrons prefer a 2:1 whiskey to sweet vermouth mix with a Chartreuse washed glass.

     All in all the Tipperary is a great variation of the classic Manhattan and variety is the spice of life, so why not try it several ways.     -The picture shown is of the cocktail with differing sweet vermouths. I am not a fan of the more bitter Punt e Mes vermouth and am very outspoken of the fact, but oddly it works amazingly well in this drink. A more recent discovery in the vermouth world has led us to Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, a great sweet vermouth with an amazing balance of bitter and sweet. I now use this more and more especially when I crave a well rounded drink, although with Chartreuse at my proportions I may think otherwise. Anyway you take it don't forget the lemon twist.

Tipperary
2 oz. Irish Whiskey (Power's)
3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth (Punt e Mes)
1/2 oz. Green Chartreuse
- stir and strain
     lemon twist garnish