Shrapnel

1 1⁄2 oz Bourbon
1⁄2 oz Sweet vermouth
1⁄2 oz Dry vermouth
1⁄2 oz Apricot liqueur
1 sli Orange (as garnish)
Instructions

Original instructions say "stir on the rocks", but I prefer to stir in mixing glass with ice, then pour over a large rock before adding garnish.

Notes

Came across this "Perfect Manhattan" riff while searching through my old copy of "Ultimate Bartender's Guide." I expected I would find an older source, or another name for effectively the same cocktail, but came up empty.

Lots of room to experiment with different bourbons, vermouths, and apricot here, as well as varying proportions. I chose Bulleit Bourbon because I like it, and its name is "shrapnel adjacent." I used Carpano Dry and Carpano Classico for the vermouths (I thought Antica might be overbearing in this.) I chose Rothman & Winter Apricot liqueur and have liked it with both 1/4 and 1/2 oz quantities.

My wife gave it a thumbs up, so it is in the rotation now.

History

Source of the cocktail is not stated in the book. Barbug.com lists the same name and recipe using Jim Beam Bourbon and Hiram Walker Apricot Liqueur, so that might reflect the original calls from the magazine.

Cocktail summary
Is an
altered recipe
Reference

"Bartender Magazine's Ultimate Bartender's Guide", 2007, Ray Foley, p. 34

Curator
5 stars
Average
4 stars
(2 ratings)
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From other users
  • Perfect Manhattan with a little tang.
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Comments

I don't have the history of this one so I am listing it as an "altered recipe." I suppose it was printed in Bartender Magazine sometime in the years leading up to the 2007 book. So if anyone can provide any information on who created it, when, where or any other specifics, let us know.