Inspired by the Tom Ford Electric Cherry Eyeshadow Palette
This stunning Limited Edition Tom Ford Electric Cherry Eyeshadow palette* is perfect for evening and beautiful on the vanity, I picked this up at the Sephora Spring Sale to take advantage of the 20% off for Rouge Beauty Insiders. I'll post more details and my review on that palette and this makeup look soon. But, this post is dedicated to the cocktail pairing.
Vintage Glassware for an Antique Cocktail with a Modern Twist
I'd call the Manhattan boozy and dramatic, yet comforting. I didn't have to debate too long before deciding on a Manhattan as the perfect cocktail to pair with this palette and this somewhat dramatic look. I had saved these beautiful vintage Nick and Nora glasses from my Mom's house, and I think they actually came to my mom from my grandmother, along with some other vintage classic cocktail glasses. And if anyone loved happy hour, it was my grandmother! Since it is not cut with any mixers, the Manhattan is a strong drink that packs a punch. If you like very sweet cocktails that are pretty watered down, you will not likely be a fan of the Manhattan, even with the added cherry I put in the recipe below. But, it has sophisticated and sexy vibe that few other cocktails can match. I found these adorable and comparable Nick and Nora glasses** on Amazon that look perfect for this Manhattan and other cocktails!
The Classic Manhattan Cocktail + an Electric Cherry Twist
Anyway, a traditional Manhattan is served "up," that is, stirred (not shaken) with ice and served chilled in a martini, coupe, or a Nick and Nora glass. You can also do a Manhattan up or on the rocks in a rocks or a lowball glass, if preferred. It would be great over a big ice cube. One (including my mom who was a purist about many things, but especially cocktails and desserts) might say I embellished slightly with the garnish, my favorite cocktail cherries from the Traverse City Whiskey Company, dripping in the delightful and rich cherry syrup. This was clearly necessary to match the brilliant cherry of the Tom Ford Electric Cherry Eyeshadow palette.
Additionally, the whiskey should really (by some accounts) be a rye whiskey, but I had to improvise with what I had on hand, the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, which is a lovely bourbon, and I actually like the additional sweetness of bourbon in a Manhattan. Try the recipe below and let me know what you think!
Electric Cherry Manhattan Recipe (Makes one cocktail)
Ingredients
1.5 to 2 oz Rye or Bourbon Whiskey
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Drizzle of Brandied Cherry Syrup
Brandied Cherries for Garnish - as many as you like! (I highly recommend the Traverse City Whiskey Co. Premium Cocktail Cherries**)
Materials
Ice
Mixing Glass
Swizzle/Stir Stick or Cocktail Spoon (Gold Cocktail Spoon**) or (Silver Cocktail Spoon)**
Fancy Cocktail Pick** or Set of Fancy Cocktail Picks** (Includes a pineapple one like the one I used)
Cocktail Glass - A martini, coupe or Nick & Nora glass** (ideally pre-chilled, but don't agonize about it)
Directions
1. Add ice to your mixing glass.
2. Pour whiskey over ice.
3. Pour sweet vermouth over ice.
4. Add Bitters.
5. Stir with your swizzle stick or cocktail spoon until thoroughly chilled. (Don't rush it.)
6. Strain into a chilled coupe, martini or Nick & Nora glass.
7. Spear the cherries onto a fancy cocktail pick or toothpick - let the syrup drizzle into your cocktail and stir gently. Then, you can rest the garnish across the top of the glass or lean in against the rim. If you don't have any cocktail picks or toothpicks, don't let that stop you, just drop the cherries into your cocktail.
8. Cheers & enjoy!
*Links included for convenience, not affiliate or sponsored.
**Amazon affiliate links, for which I receive a small commission from Amazon. It is greatly appreciated if you use my link to purchase.
**Links below to Amazon.
Everything looks so luxurious! I love it!