Mini Manhattans – Cocktail of the Month

Since the 18th century, Liverpool has been trading with America, with the first American cotton unloaded in the port in 1784. The Pima Bar, the stylish cocktail bar on the ground floor of the just-opened Liverpool Hilton, pays tribute to this transatlantic association with a menu that includes a reference to the best America has to offer in the way of spirits and flavours.

Pima is proof that great hotel bars are not confined to London. Its American classic cocktails include the Mint Julep, the Tennessee Smash and a Gorgeous Group favourite: the Old Fashioned, made here with Woodford Reserve. Also on the menu are the Clover Club, the Aviation, the Southside and, of course, the Manhattan.

The king of New York cocktails, created in the 1860s, the Manhattan is always ready for a comeback. At Pima you can enjoy the perfect Manhattan Flight, which consists of three mini Manhattans: the Classic - a Woodford Reserve tribute with Bourbon-soaked cherry; the Flat Iron - made with the fabulous Four Roses Bourbon matched with a citrus jelly; and the Tribeca - a Sazerac Rye Manhattan served with a slice of dark chocolate.

Making classics like this is a great way to showcase the skill, finesse and creativity of the bartender; it's also a ‘darn swell drink' with which to celebrate Thanksgiving.

INGREDIENTS

Classic Manhattan

• 20ml Woodford Reserve bourbon
• 10ml Martini Rosso
• Dash of Angostura bitters
• Garnish: maraschino cherry

Tribeca

• 20ml Sazerac Rye
• 5ml Maraschino liqueur
• 2.5ml Cynar
• Garnish: side of 70% chocolate

Flat Iron

• 20ml Four Roses bourbon
• 5ml Campari
• 2.5ml Yellow Chartreuse
• Garnish: Side of grapefruit jelly

METHOD

In three mixing glasses stir all three serves over ice until completely chilled. Strain into mini martini glasses and serve on a tray with sides of chocolate and grapefruit jelly.

Robbie Bargh, director,Gorgeous Group020 7091 7492