Our friend Gregg directed us recently to The Spirit World, which we were familiar with but which was new to him. (NOTE: Site now defunct.) I was appreciative for the tip, though, because I hadn’t read it in a while and the nudge was helpful. I’ve now added the RSS feed to my reader, so I won’t forget again.

Wesly was digging through the more recent posts, and noted a recent series called “Winter Wonders,” a collection of wintry cocktails for the ’08 season. He thought this one seemed the most appealing, which was our evening cocktail the night before Gluttony Day.

The Park Slope

2-1/2 ounces rye whiskey.
3/4 ounce Punt E Mes.
1/2 ounce apricot brandy (Apry, or Orchard Apricot, not eau de vie).
1 dash Angostura bitters.

Stir with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a good quality cherry.

I love Manhattan variations.