This drink, like a TRUE Manhattan, is a pleasant before dinner drink, and contemplative in nature. But don't be fooled, for while it is a good drink, it is not a Manhattan. Don't, however, let this dissuade you from trying this drink. Buffalo Trace comes through despite the presence of Vya sweet vermouth; the Nocino, however, is hidden, which is too bad. Perhaps a "fat" 1/4 oz" is needed. My only other thought is to try Vya bianco vermouth, to tone down the sweetness. Otherwise, I rated this drink at 3.5.

I used Nux Alpina, Dolin Rouge, along with Massenez Creme de Cassis. This worked very well--surprisingly so, based on the tepid ratings others have given before. Maybe it was due to the specific combination? Potent, with a baked pecan/walnut flavor and nose, currant/raisin notes, and some bitterness throughout. It is more complex than that simple description. I would give this a 4.5 if I could, but since my wife really liked it I'll bump it to a 5.

Made one using Espolon Blanco and one with Espolon Añejo, side by side taste test. My partner and I both preferred the Añejo. I ended up adding a splash of grenadine to the Blanco after tasting. Used my own creme de cacao and grenadine, with Bitter Truth bitters. My liqueur could stand to be a bit more chocolatey, which I think is one reason I didn't super love either.

Made an approximation of this with spiced rum and hibiscus cardamom syrup from Portland Soda Works, but the result was great! A bit tart.

Decent with lime juice and hibiscus syrup reduced by one third, so 2/3oz lime and 1/2oz syrup. Any more than that and you stop being able to tell the gin from vodka in this drink.

Tastes like vodka pink lemonade; the orange flower water adds an unpleasant chemical perfume.

The blog entry has lemon juice instead of lime juice.

Fixed, thanks! Zachary