Cranberry Cider Manhattan

Cranberry Cider Manhattan My average day is completely full of tasks that I believe, with absolute certainty, have to be completed.

For example, in the days before we left to go home for Thanksgiving I decided the following were among my highest priorities: make a trip to the wine store, talk to the wine guy about what we should drink with Thanksgiving dinner, buy two wines for comparison, go home, make crust for three pies to be frozen, taste the wines I purchased, decide I like both, makes plan to go back to the wine store to purchase additional wine.

I also thought making a separate trip to the liquor store (which by the way has a lot of wine) to pick up bourbon was a completely justifiable plan because I like the knowledgeable wine guy better at the smaller wine store. Also we were out of whiskey and I really wanted to make this drink. Totally makes sense – right?

The only really unfortunate part of my plans is that in the background of high-priority-in-only-my-universe there are things that actually need to get done. Like getting food for the dog so he doesn’t starve and packing my bag for our trip home. And also leaving the key to my car so my husband can pick me up from work to drive home. But when can I find time to do all those things when I’m trying wines and making pie crust? Priorities people.

So long story short, I didn’t leave the car keys and the spare was “put away” in one of the 15 places I put car keys. Trying to explain my backwards process of organization will be saved for another day. However, all ended well because after an hour of hunting around, Matt was able to find the spare. It was in my bedside table. Uh-duh.

So in the spirit of Thanksgiving let’s end on an optimistic, thankful note. I am thankful that my husband finds my car keys and manages to keep his cool when I “lack focus” (as he calls it). I am thankful for good pie and good drinks. And I am thankful for you – for following along and reading my posts. For the next couple days I hope you have few priorities and take time to sit down with family and friends, enjoy good food and good drink, and relax. Happy Thanksgiving!

I used cranberries left over from this dip and essentially subbed those and the cider for the sweet vermouth that is usually in a Manhattan. I made this with bourbon but both Matt and I thought it would be even better with rye whiskey. The bite of rye would be offset well by the cranberries and splash of cider. This drink is stout but completely drinkable for me right away. Usually I wait for the ice to melt a bit before I can sip a classic Manhattan. If you prefer your drinks very strong cut back on the cider.

Cranberry Cider Manhattan

• Ingredients:
• Servings: 2 drinks
• Time: 15 minutes                                                                                                                                         

• 2 oz or ~20 cranberries
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 oz apple cider
• 6 dashes of angostura bitters

Special Equipment Needed: Muddle or mortar and pestle

Method:

Muddle or grind cranberries and sugar in a small bowl. Divide between two tumblers. Add ice. Mix together bourbon or rye, cider and bitter. Pour over ice, stir or swirl to somewhat incorporate the cranberries and serve.