If a Manhattan was basic, everyone would make them correctly.... and sadly, a large majority of places I order one it's all wrong.

Cuba Libre. Its the national drink of Cuba. Rum, coke and a slice of lime. You should try one some time (preferably in Cuba:-)

You already have Caipirinha on your list which I would've thought would be too sweet for your taste ?

You guys are all wrong. B & B is a Brandy and Babycham.

The only mixed drink I make with any regularity is a Manhattan. Once in a while I make a Old Fashioned or a Margarita.

But...but...I use genuine Cuban rum.

I'm not much of a mixed drink person (whiskey neat please!) but one that my wife and I got hooked on for a while after visiting St. Croix was a Bushwacker - equal parts Kahlua, Baileys, Amaretto, vodka and coconut run blended with cream of coconut and a little crushed ice. Haven't made one in years but it was quite good.

I ordered a Manhattan recently and the bar tender asked me how to make it. I told him I changed my mind and I'll have bourbon.

I did partake in a few of those on my trip. Every day around 3, my friend and I would get a bottle of rum, a nice cigar, sit out somewhere by the water and relax for an hour or two enjoying those, and shoot the shit with one another. The sweet rum, smoke, and hot, balmy weather were perfect compliments to one another.

That being said, I was a little disappointed in the rum selection. Pretty much Havana Club and nothing else. Nothing I can't get at home, but it was half as much as it is here.

This, a million times over...a well made Manhatten is nearly impossible to beat in my opinion and difficult to find. I prefer a "2 1 3" Manhatten: 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 3 dashes of bitters. I also make a "homemade" Luxardo cherry that I use as a garnish.

I do not know much about vermouths, and I want to experiment with different brands, aside from the more common ones I find in our grocery. Early this year I had reason to purchase a bottle of Cocchi Americano Rosa, which is very sweet vermouthish. Since I had about half a bottle left over from its intended purpose, I substituted it in for sweet vermouth in my Manhatten. It was delicious, and while still very much like a Manhatten, it was lighter bodied.

Matt

Give this a try. One of my favorites and local! Bevmo carries it.

https://quadywinery.com/wines/vya/