Ingredients

   
2 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon)
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
  Brandied cherry, for garnish

Steps

  1. Add rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled.

  2. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

  3. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

Notes

  • This is a stirred drink, not shaken. Stirring keeps it silky and clear.
  • The 2:1 spirit-to-vermouth ratio has been standard since the 1880s.
  • Rye is spicier and drier; bourbon is sweeter and rounder. Both work — use what you like.
  • Sweet vermouth contributes roughly 4.5g sugar per ounce — essentially replacing the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned.