The Red Hook Cocktail

Last night's libation, which I was eager to try after having stumbled across the recipe while reading and researching about vermouth.

It's the creation of Enzo Errico of Milk & Honey in New York, which I thought a wonderful variation on a Manhattan; further Googling reveals that Enzo considers it to be more of a Brooklyn variation.

Punt E Mes is a sweet vermouth made by Carpano, but has a bitter characteristic and is more robust and spicy than garden variety sweet vermouth. Don't substitute regular red vermouth like Martini & Rossi or Cinzano; it won't work properly for this drink.

2 ounces rye whiskey (we used Rittenhouse 100)
1/2 ounce Punt E Mes
1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur

Stir with ice for at least 30 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. No garnish was specified, but I added two brandied cherries.