Early September Woodford Reserve and Esquire Magazine began fervent search for the ultimate bourbon Manhattan cocktail recipe as part of the ‘Craft the Ultimate Manhattan Contest.’ Consumers were encouraged to submit their handcrafted Manhattan recipes which were then judged in the categories of Name, Creativity and Originality with Woodford Reserve as the primary ingredient.  A trip for two to Manhattan hangs in the balance for the grand prize winner which will be announced a few days prior to Christmas according to the September 17, 2009 media release.

 

During the last two months bartenders have put their own spin on the classic Manhattan. Now it comes down to the wire for eight bartenders who will be showcased at a special event this evening in New York City at Esquire Soho, Esquire’s Ultimate Bachelor Pad. David Wondrich, cocktail historian/writer and Esquire Magazine’s resident mixologist, created a special Woodford Reserve Manhattan recipe for the contest kick-off. Each of the eight recipes featured at the invitation only event this evening and David Wondrich’s Esquire Manhattan are contained in the photo drink recipe slide show below for your sipping pleasure. The classic Manhattan as well as these beautifully bartender crafted Manhattans make wonderful additions for the holidays. Keep them in mind for your family gatherings and parties.

 

The panel in New York will officially decide which Manhattan becomes the ‘Ultimate.’  For fun cast your vote through the comments section for which Manhattan recipe from the slideshow below should be the ‘Ultimate People’s Choice’ Manhattan.

 

Basil Hayden's - Buffalo Trace Bourbon Recipes - Drink Recipes & Photos

 

The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, and StumbleUpon

www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States