Basil Hayden's Classic Manhattan: Whisk(e)y Wednesday presented by Lock & Key

by Sydney "Brown Nose" Blanchard

Basil Hayden's Classic Manhattan

Ah, National Bourbon Heritage Month. It came, and it went, so fleetingly. Nothing lasts forever. 

It's our last week to celebrate, and we're doing so with Basil Hayden's Bourbon. The family recipe for this craft bourbon dates back to 1796. Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. set out to create a one-of-a-kind bourbon recipe that utilized twice as much rye as traditional bourbons. The result is a spicy bourbon that's great on its own or mixed in a cocktail.

In anticipation of Team Bite and Booze's upcoming trip to New York, here's a recipe for Basil Hayden's Classic Manhattan, developed by Louisville-based mixologist Damien Cooke. Any recipe including Luxardo cherries automatically wins in my book.

Basil Hayden’s Classic Manhattan

2 parts Basil Hayden's Bourbon
¾ parts Carpano Antica Vermouth
2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries (for garnish)

Combine ingredients in a mixing tin with ice and stir.
Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with three cherries on a cocktail skewer.