McKinley's Delight recipe
A distinguished late-nineteenth-century rye and sweet vermouth classic kissed with cherry liqueur and absinthe.
Method: Stir ·
Glass: Coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Old Fashioned Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Straight rye whiskey (100 proof recommended)
- 1 oz Italian sweet vermouth
- 0.25 oz Cherry liqueur (such as cherry heering)
- 1 dash Absinthe
How to make a McKinley's Delight
- Fill a mixing glass with quality ice cubes.
- Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and absinthe.
- Stir thoroughly for thirty seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
- Express the essential oils from a fresh lemon twist over the surface and drop it into the glass.
Garnish
Lemon twist
Pro tip
Use a high-proof bottled-in-bond rye whiskey to maintain structure and prevent the drink from becoming watery against the rich vermouth and cherry liqueur.
History of the McKinley's Delight
First concocted at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City during William McKinley's 1896 presidential campaign, this sophisticated drink stands as a revered Manhattan variation. It honors the late president with a complex blend of herbal absinthe and rich stone-fruit sweetness.
Flavour profile
Herbal, Rich, Complex, Warm
Variations
- Black Manhattan — Substitute amaro Montenegro or Averna for the sweet vermouth.
- Brooklyn Cocktail — Swap cherry liqueur and absinthe for maraschino liqueur and dry vermouth.
- Boulevardier — Replace sweet vermouth and cherry liqueur with Campari for a bitter orange profile.
Practise making the McKinley's Delight in the free Virtual Bar game.