My new favorite after-dinner drink

Earlier this week, the Kentucky Derby Museum was the site of Louisville’s “Manhattan Experience,” a competition sponsored by Woodford Reserve and Esquire Magazine that seeks the ultimate Manhattan recipe. The winners from contests held in cities across the country will convene in New York in January to mix their way to fame. 

While the celebrity judges sampled the five contest entries, the guests in attendance were treated to three Woodford Reserve varieties: a Classic Manhattan; a French Manhattan made with Chambord French black raspberry liqueur; and my new favorite after-dinner drink, the Butterscotch Manhattan (shown above). It’s obviously sweeter than a classic Manhattan, but not overly sweet; just smooth and warming and yummy. Here’s the recipe:

Woodford Reserve Butterscotch Manhattan

1/2 oz. Woodford Reserve
1/2 oz. butterscotch schnapps
1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
1 cinnamon stick (garnish)

Mix well, garnish with cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

The winner of the evening’s competition, by the way, was Karla Ramsey with her Ramsey’s Manhattan. I can’t speak to its virtues personally, but the judges loved it. Here is that recipe:

Ramsey’s Manhattan

2 oz. Woodford Reserve
1 oz. apple brandy
1 oz. sweet vermouth
2 splashes bitters

Shake softly until super cold. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a red apple slice.

Good luck in Manhattan, Karla!