by Jordan Catapano
Bartenders and mixologists around the country are creating original and imaginative cocktails with rare spices and herbs, daring infusion, and molecular gastronomy. But the latest cocktail trend includes drinks that use only a few simple ingredients, made popular during the Prohibition Era. Perhaps it’s due to the return of speakeasies and burlesque shows, or the popularity of hit television series like Boardwalk Empire and Mad Men. Regardless, the classics are back with a vengeance.
Now it’s time to recreate these trendy libations for yourself and your friends in the comfort of your own home. I would recommend experimenting with different types of bitters and sweet vermouth for a drink that’s perfectly customized to your tastes. Although I prefer a healthy amount of bitters in these recipes, you may only want just one quick dash to start out.
Manhattan
2-3 ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey
1 ounce Noilly Prat Red Sweet Vermouth
2-3 dashes bitters
Maraschino cherries to garnish
Mix the ingredients with ice and shake hard, then strain them into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a few cherries.
Old Fashioned
2 ounces Bulleit Straight Rye Whiskey
2-3 dashes bitters
1 teaspoon simple syrup
Lemon or orange peel to garnish
You can make your own simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water or buy it ready-made for convenience. Another option is to use a sugar cube, and soak with it bitters in the glass before adding the rye.
Negroni
1 ounce St. George gin
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce Noilly Prat Sweet Vermouth
Orange peel or slice (optional)
Although many bars are now aging large batches of negroni mixtures in miniature barrels behind the bar, this cocktail is just as good made freshly on the spot. You can serve it on the rocks or straight up with or without a garnish.
