A Grand Manhattan

<img alt="grandmanhattan.jpg" src="http://suttonfirstchurch.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/grandmanhattan.jpg" width="375" height="500"

A classic Manhattan is a thing of pristine beauty. Add an additional cherry to my glass and maybe it's a bit less pristine, but even more beautiful.

Still, there is nothing wrong with a variation on a theme.

Three cherries, perhaps?

Nah.

Instead, I'll turn to a bonafide riff that is warming, fragrant, ever so slightly sweet and delightfully bright all at once. Nary a cherry in sight.

Grand Manhattan

2 oz. bourbon
1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
A dash of orange bitters
A piece of fresh orange peel

Pour liquid ingredients over ice. Stir. Strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with an orange peel -- set aflame with great showmanship, if at all possible.