The Revolver

Tonight’s first cocktail, The Revolver, is a treat… bourbon, coffee liqueur, orange bitters and orange twist. Simple yet refined, this cocktail is an impressive twist on the basic Manhattan recipe. It relies on a spicy ‘rye forward’ bourbon to maximize flavor. The coffee liqueur substitutes for the sweet vermouth and can be any variant available to suit your tastes – Kahlua, Tia Maria, Galliano Ristretto, etc. Tonight I chose Galliano Ristretto, but have used Kahlua as well, which will subtly change the end result. I think this cocktail is a great way to reboot your love of Manhattans… try one and let me know if you agree!

Add bourbon, coffee liqueur, and bitters to a mixing glass. Add ice and stir well to chill. Strain into a martini or coupe glass. Twist orange peel over the cocktail and wipe the rim. Drop the orange peel into the cocktail, if desired.

Enjoy!

The Semi-Auto

The second cocktail, The Semi-Auto, is my tweak on The Revolver. I added one and changed another ingredient along with the ratio; basically increasing the spiciness by using rye instead of bourbon, increasing the sweetness by adding Grand Imperial while maintaining the slight bitterness from the coffee liqueur and citrus intensity with the orange bitters and orange twist. Smooth and complex but dangerous in trained hands, this cocktail fits into my Friday night drink plans perfectly. Try it and see for yourself!

Add rye whiskey, coffee liqueur, Grand Imperial, and orange bitters into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir well to chill. Strain into a martini or coupe glass. Twist orange peel over the cocktail and wipe the rim. Drop the orange peel into the cocktail, if desired.

Enjoy!

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