Remember The Maine

 

Story

This cocktail in the Manhattan family but also shares aspects of the Red Hook (due to the cherry liqueur) and the Sazerac (due to the absinthe).  The recipe was first recorded in Charles H. Baker, Jr’s 1939 book The Gentleman’s Companion.  The name refers to the sinking of the US Navy battleship in Havana Harbor, which contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898.  The cocktail itself is strong, but there is a sweet counterpoint going on underneath.  Both the cherry liqueur and the absinthe blend into the overall flavor rather than standing out.  Some versions use the absinthe as a rinse in the glass, but I like leaving it in there for the extra bit of complexity. 

Recipe

2 oz rye (Rittenhouse)
0.75 oz sweet vermouth (Cocchi Vermouth di Torino)
0.25 oz cherry liqueur (Heering or Luxardo Cherry)
1 dash absinthe (1/8 tsp)
-measure ingredients in a mixing glass with ice; stir to chill
-strain into chilled coupe
-garnish with cocktail cherry