The Stepfather

My stepfather is known for always having bourbon in the house. I’m known for coming over and making cocktails on the fly. Most of the time, I leave the liquor alone, but it was a gloomy winter’s day, and I decided my insides needed to be warmed a bit. With the use of two different bourbons, I encapsulated balsamic and maraschino-soaked cherries, and built yet another recipe of my own. It had a tang from the balsamic vinegar, and allowed my lips to pucker just enough. For all of you lovers of Bourbon Manhattans, this one might be up your alley. It’s a little updated, though, if you love to try new things. Have fun with this one!

Ingredients:

1 part Maker’s Mark

1 part Basil Hayden

bar spoon vanilla extract

2 maraschino cherries

1 teaspoon maraschino juice

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

pinch salt

Directions:

Add cherries to shot glass. Add maraschino juice, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch salt. Stir slightly with end of bar spoon. Let sit for between fifteen and twenty minutes.

Add vanilla extract, Basil Hayden, and Maker’s Mark to a tumbler. Stir. Add normal ice cube. Stir until glass is ice cold. Top with one or two of the maraschino cherries. Then, top with half of the balsamic mixture you marinated the cherries in. Do NOT stir.

Consume immediately.