OUR FAMILY'S GO-TO COCKTAIL
Our dad, Julian Van Winkle, is often asked about the rules of enjoying bourbon, and at the top of his list is this: You will ruin good bourbon by mixing it with ginger ale or cola. He also is often asked for drink recipes, especially for the classic bourbon mainstay, the Manhattan cocktail.
Julian didn't always have an answer. However, one night, at the request of our mom, he brought home some rye whiskey and decided to try his hand at a Manhattan to satisfy her unusual craving. He mixed the rye with bourbon, added some Carpano Antica Italian sweet vermouth he had just received as a gift, and topped it off with blood orange bitters and brandied cherries. His twist on this bartender staple was delicious, and thus the “Vanhattan” was born. Now whenever the mood for something different strikes, our family has a go-to recipe, which we are happy to share with you.
Julian Van Winkle's Vanhattan Cocktail Recipe
- 1 oz. Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz. Bourbon
- A Dash of Sweet Vermouth (We prefer Carpano Antica.)
- A Dash of Blood Orange Bitters
- A Brandied Cherry
- Garnish With a Twist of Orange
