I cannot believe I have not posted this cross between a Manhattan and a Martini. As the predecessor to the ubiquitous Martini, this cocktail really fires on all cylinders. The trouble is that there is no definitive recipe for this beauty. So it is very much like its progeny the martini, it is best served the way you like it.  So here is my take on this classic ‘missing link’ between the Manhattan and the Martini.  I started by using Old Tom gin and have increased the ratio of gin to vermouth from 1:1 to 1.5:1 while adding orange bitters with the Angostura bitters to enhance the orange aspect. The results are sublime – but don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself!

Chill a cocktail glass. Add all ingredients except the garnish to a mixing glass. Add ice and stir to chill thoroughly. Strain into the chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange twist.

Enjoy!