Manhattan with Spiced Vermouth

Spiced vermouth is a great way to take your Manhattan up a notch. For an extra festive flair sprinkle lightly with edible gold flakes.

Makes 1 cocktail.

2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce Homemade Spiced Red Vermouth (recipe follows)
dash of Liquid Kitchen Golden Era Bitters or your favorite bitters
Garnish: Amarena cherry and cranberry on a pick

Measure the bourbon, Spiced Red Vermouth and bitters into a mixing glass. Fill 3/4 full with ice. Stir with a bar spoon until well chilled. Strain into a coup glass. Garnish with a cherry and a cranberry on a pick.

Homemade Spiced Vermouth
Great to use in any cocktail calling for red vermouth such as a Negroni. Or serve it over ice as an aperitif.  The addition of the spiced rum helps stabilize the vermouth to last longer. For a summer variation substitute the cranberries for fresh blackberries and the orange peel for lemon peel.

Makes 2 cups (16 ounces)

8 strips of orange peel
2 large slices of fresh ginger
4 whole allspice
10 whole cloves
1/3 cup fresh cranberries
2 ounces spiced rum
2 cups sweet red vermouth

Combine ingredients in a pretty bottle. Allow to sit, refrigerated, for at least two days before using.
Store refrigerated for up to a month. Flavors will intensify, strain if desired.