6 Comments

When you say "cherry brandy", I presume that you mean something with more flavor than e.g. kirsch, right?

Expand full comment

Sorry, I should have clarified: by cherry brandy I mean cherry liqueur, ie sweetened cherry infused alcohol. Cherry Heering is the best but there are lots of alternatives and as I say the best sub might be the cherry syrup you find in jars of cocktail cherries

Kirsch is unsweetened cherry eau de vie… it’s technically cherry brandy but not “cherry brandy” in the cocktail sense.

There’s maraschino too but that has a different flavour. I will explain all in the forthcoming cherry brandy post.

Expand full comment

I assumed Cherry Heering and “lucked out.” I did not crack open my Carpano Antica and used M&R sweet vermouth. My wife enjoyed the cocktail (she does not like Manhattans, let alone rye…) so I look forward to trying this again without M&R vermouth.

LOVED the notes on the history of the Maine!

(This is going to be the LONGEST 4 years of my life)

Expand full comment

I used Röteli, a sickly sweet cherry liqueur from Graubunden, Switzerland. It did the trick!

Next time I'll try with a little more absinthe. I erred on the side of caution, as Mme is not a great fan, but I think it needed a bit more to counteract the sweetness.

Expand full comment

Wishing you a speedy recovery!!

Expand full comment

Remember the Maine is one of my favourites, up there with the Waldorf or Robert Burns when I want a Manhattan with an absinthe twist. Thanks for the great facts, and thanks also for ruining Citizen Kane ;) Best wishes in your shoulder healing quickly!

Expand full comment