Dark Chocolate Manhattan

Let’s set the mood with a decadent, delicious version of the legendary Manhattan. We’ll be using bitter all-star Cynar in place of vermouth, and adding some Dark Crème de Cacao for that chocolatey goodness. In addition to stirring this cocktail, we’ll be creating an absolutely scrumptious garnish — dark chocolate covered Luxardo cherries!

DARK CHOCOLATE MANHATTAN

1.5 oz Rye Whiskey
.75 oz Dark Crème de Cacao
.5 oz Cynar
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Skewer of dark chocolate covered cherries*

*Dark Chocolate Covered Luxardo Cherries:

Place a mixing bowl on top of a medium sized pot filled halfway with water and turn the heat to low. The water in the pot should not boil, but should serve to warm the bowl sitting on top of it. Drop some dark chocolate baking chips in the bowl and wait for them to melt. Skewer one cherry at a time and dip into the chocolate until completely covered then remove and place on wax paper to cool and set.

DIRECTIONS: Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir with ice until well-chilled — about 30 rotations. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass and top with a skewer of three chocolate covered Luxardo cherries.