The Manhattan is one cocktail which allows for endless variations. It’s ratios can be adjusted to suit each persons individual taste and other base spirits can be substituted to create an entirely different drink, while still adhering to the character and spirit of the original.
The one presented below is a tequila version based on the Perfect Manhattan. The Perfect Manhattan is made with equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth. I have replaced the vermouth with tequila’s partner in crime, sherry. I used a Pedro Ximénez in lieu of the sweet vermouth and with an amontillado standing in for the dry vermouth. I further replaced the classic angostura bitters with Fee Brother’s black walnut bitters to accentuate the nutty character of the dry sherry.
Mexican Squirrel
2 oz 100% agave Añejo Tequila
.5 oz Dry Amontillado Sherry (Lustau Solera Reserava Los Arcos)
.5 oz Pedro Ximénez
2 dashes Fee Brother’s Black Walnut Bitters
stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Notes:
The tequila is evident throughout the drink with the dry sherry lending a nutty characteristic completed by the bitters. The Pedro Ximénez prevents the drink from being too dry by adding a sweet raisin flavor.
Beautiful glass! Just imagining the PX, amontillado and tequila together and the drink sounds great too!
Thanks. Give it a try some time and let me know what you think.
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