Welcome to Episode 83! Tonight, we are crafting The High Desert Manhattan, a dry, sophisticated, and earthy Manhattan variant that proves flavored whiskeys can belong in a serious, spirit-forward cocktail when properly balanced.

Anchored by a roaring 126-proof Four Roses Single Barrel Cask Strength (OBSV recipe), this drink delivers a powerful punch of sharp rye spice and heavy barrel heat. We balance that intensity with Thornbush Prickly Pear Whiskey, the deep herbal bitterness of Cynar 70, bright orange bitters, and a whisper of peppery smoke from Strongwater Spicy Bonfire Bitters.

Prepare your palate for a truly elevated drinking experience: The High Desert Manhattan opens with an enticing aroma of bright orange peel, dark berries, and deep herbal botanicals wrapped in heavy barrel oak. The first sip delivers a powerful rush of rich oak and peppery rye spice that seamlessly softens into a touch of prickly pear sweetness, quickly grounded by velvety dark cocoa and complex herbal undertones. It all culminates in a long, warming finish that stays remarkably dry, leaving behind a lingering whisper of soft smoke and wild botanicals that will have you reaching for your glass again and again.

Join us next week for Episode 84: The Cactus Flower Sour—a tart, bright, and beautifully colorful late-summer whiskey sour pairing 100-proof Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond with fresh lemon and vibrant prickly pear syrup!

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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• Coupe Glass, Martini Glasses for Cocktails: https://amzn.to/4vJs64E
• Orange Bitters: https://amzn.to/3LxGKKR
• Strongwater Spicy Bonfire Bitters: https://amzn.to/4oCNmWI 
• Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries: https://amzn.to/3Wl8C7A 

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📋 THE RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon (OBSV Recipe, Cask Strength / 100+ Proof)
• 0.75 oz Thornbush Prickly Pear Flavored Whiskey
• 0.5 oz Cynar 70 Amaro
• 2 dashes Fee Brothers Orange Bitters
• 1 dash Strongwater Spicy Bonfire Bitters
• Garnish: Brandied Cherry (Luxardo)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir thoroughly until well-chilled and properly diluted.
3. Strain into your chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a brandied cherry and enjoy!

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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

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