I was “jonesing” for a Manhattan on a recent summery evening. Of course, I might have had a Brooklyn, a closely related cocktail that calls for rye, plus dry rather than sweet Vermouth, and Maraschino liqueur. And since we’re on the subject of New York boroughs, instead of a 
Manhattan I might have put together a Bronx (gin, both dry and sweet Vermouth, plus orange juice); a Queens (like a Bronx, but with pineapple instead of orange); or a Staten Island (rum and pineapple juice). But pleasing though these variations might be, none of them would quite satisfy my yearning for the soothing, soul-warming mingling of Bourbon and sweet Vermouth.
As I began assembling the fixings for my Manhattan, I was momentarily dismayed to discover that there were no cherries to be found in the house. But necessity being the mother of invention (especially when it comes to cocktails), I scanned the pantry shelves and found the perfect solution to my problem–dates! Take my word for this: If you’ve never tasted a Bourbon-soaked date you are missing out on a great organoleptic experience.
Use whatever whiskey you prefer. On this occasion I was in the mood for a velvety smooth, sleek and somewhat sweet whiskey such as Eagle Rare Bourbon. Distilled, bottled and aged (for no less than ten years) at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, this Bourbon offers a complex nose with suggestions of dried orange peel, leather and oak. On the palate, it is unabashedly forthright, sweet (but not too sweet), and pleasantly oaky, with a clean finish.
Stir the Bourbon, Vermouth and bitters together with ice cubes. Muddle the date in the bottom of a cocktail glass. Strain the liquid ingredients into the glass. Enjoy!
7