Fourth Regiment
An 1890s Manhattan variant that takes three different bitters
Ingredients
- 1 ozRye WhiskeyEqual to the vermouth, not more
- 1 ozSweet VermouthA rich red vermouth; it carries the whole sweet side
- 1 dashThe Bitter Truth Orange BittersThe bright one of the threeSubstitute: Any orange bitters
- 1 dashThe Bitter Truth Creole BittersAnise and clove; the New Orleans noteSubstitute: Peychaud's, for a lighter version
- 1 dashThe Bitter Truth Celery BittersThe savoury one, and the reason this is not a ManhattanSubstitute: Any celery bitters
Instructions
- Add 1 oz rye, 1 oz sweet vermouth and 1 dash each of orange, Creole and celery bitters to a mixing glass
1 dash of each; the drink works because none of the three wins
- Fill with ice and stir well
- Strain into a chilled coupe
- Express a lemon zest over the surface
Technique Notes
One dash of each per serving, and do not round up. Three bitters at a dash apiece is already more bittering than a Manhattan carries; the drink works because no single one of them wins, and doubling any of them collapses that.
Why the Fourth Regiment Works
Orange is citrus, Creole is anise and clove, celery is green and savoury. None of the three overlaps with the others.