Classic Cocktail Twist

Turkish Tobacco Manhattan: The Ultimate Winter Cocktail 

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🥃 The Turkish Tobacco Manhattan (Rye Twist) | December Cocktail Series Part 1/5 | Thirsty Thursday E47

Welcome to Episode 47 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails and the exciting start of our five-part December Cocktail Series!

Tonight, we’re kicking off the holidays with a sophisticated, deep, and woodsy cocktail: The Turkish Tobacco Manhattan. This is more than just a twist on a classic; it’s a slow-sipper built for contemplation and chilly nights.

We anchor this drink with 2 oz of Sagamore Spirit Small Batch Rye Whiskey for a fantastic backbone of spice and pepper. We maintain the classic 2:1 ratio using Valdespino Sweet Vermouth, which adds a rich, almost savory depth.

The magic is in the bitters blend! We use 3 dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters for that deep, smoky, earthy base note (it’s all about the aroma of the cured leaf!) and 2 dashes of Cherry Bitters to provide a crucial, bright ‘lift.’

For the final touch of luxury and aroma, we smoke the coupe glass with Cherry Wood before straining. This creates a woodsy, “fireplace” aroma that ties the whole concept together. 

This is a complex, flavorful, and perfect welcome to your holiday entertaining!

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Must-Try Fall Cocktail: Toasted Almond Sazerac

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🍂 Toasted Almond Sazerac: A Fall Twist on a New Orleans Classic | Thirsty Thursday Cocktails E45 🥃

Welcome to Episode 45 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! Join Rebecca for Part 3 of our Fall Series as we take a trip to New Orleans and elevate the classic Sazerac with a warm, nutty, and seasonally appropriate twist: the Toasted Almond Sazerac!

Instead of traditional rye, we’re using an American Single Malt Whiskey for a softer, nuttier base that perfectly complements the rich Demerara Syrup and aromatic Toasted Almond Bitters. This recipe captures the spirit of Fall with comforting, toasty, and complex flavors.

🌟 The Toasted Almond Sazerac Recipe

A unique stirred cocktail featuring an essential absinthe rinse for that iconic Sazerac profile.

  • Whiskey Base: 2 oz American Single Malt (Yellowstone used for its toasty, nutty, barley notes)
  • Sweetener: 1/4 oz Demerara Syrup (Adds dark sweetness and molasses notes)
  • Bitters:
    • 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters (Traditional spice & star anise signature)
    • 3 dashes Toasted Almond Bitters (For those roasty, nutty Fall flavors)
  • Rinse: Absinthe (Neely Family Distillery’s Platinum-winning “Fear and Loathing in Kentucky” used)
  • Garnish: Expressed oils of fresh lemon peel

🍹 Technique Highlights

  1. Combine whiskey, syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass.
  2. Lightly stir to incorporate.
  3. Add ice and stir for 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute.
  4. Perform an Absinthe Rinse ritual: swirl a small amount of absinthe in the serving glass, coating the inside. (Pro Tip: Save the excess!)
  5. Strain the chilled cocktail into the rinsed glass.
  6. Express the oils of a fresh lemon peel over the top and rub it around the rim to brighten the drink.

Next Week:

Don’t miss our Thanksgiving Finale for the Fall Series! We’re creating the Mole Harvest Cocktail—a savory twist on an Old Fashioned using Mole and Aztec Chocolate Bitters!

Remember to always drink responsibly and enjoy your amazing Thirsty Thursday! Cheers!

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

#Sazerac #ToastedAlmondSazerac #FallCocktails #WhiskeyCocktails #AmericanSingleMalt #NewOrleansCocktails #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #BourbonJourney #DIYCocktails #AbsintheRinse #PeychaudsBitters #HomeBar #StirredCocktails #YellowstoneWhiskey