Remember the Maine

* 2 ounces rye whiskey
* 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
* 2 teaspoons Cherry Heering
* 1/2 teaspoon absinthe or absinthe substitute
* Brandied cherry for garnish

Combine ingredients in an ice-filled mixing glass and stir briskly for 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

This recipe is from St. John Frizell, a bartender in Brooklyn, New York, and was featured in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of Imbibe Magazine. This relative of the Manhattan is described therein as “a fine sipping drink that’s especially welcome on a winter night”.

I made these with Herbsaint because I wanted something a little more subdued than the absinthe I have on hand, which can be a bit overpowering. I also experimented with the vermouth, using Punt e Mes for myself and Martini and Rossi for Sarai’s. As you might expect, this makes quite a difference as well. Sarai’s drink is smooth and mellow while mine has a nice bitter kick to it. Both are quite good, so use whichever vermouth suits your mood at the time you make it.