Manhattans

Some folks use a twist of orange zest in their Manhattans, rather than a cherry. One variation is a Perfect Manhattan, which swaps our equal parts sweet and dry vermouth for the sweet red vermouth. Using bourbon in place of the rye whiskey will yield a slightly sweeter cocktail, with less-spice, but I sometimes find one made with bourbon satisfying.

4 ounces rye whiskey, (or bourbon)
2 ounces sweet (red) vermouth
2 dashes of bitters
2 candied cherries or maraschino cherries, skewered on toothpicks

Fill a small pitcher or cocktail shaker about half-full of ice and add the rye, vermouth and a few dashes of a favorite bitters. Stir semi-leisurely for about a minute, to chill the mixture.
Put the cherries into two chilled cocktail glasses and strain the Manhattan mixture between them.