What We're Drinking: The Bensonhurst - There goes the neighborhood...

by Fredo

I could write a whole article about the Brooklyn Cocktail and its' neighborhood cuginos like the Greenpoint and Carroll Gardens, but TimeOutNY beat me to it. Instead, I will suggest you order one of my new favorite cocktails that was also mentioned in the article, it is known as The Bensonhurst.

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in my usual seat, F14, at Clover Club, contemplating whether to order amaro or rye. I thought, why not get the best of both worlds and asked Giuseppe to give me an Italian version of a perfect Manhattan. He gave me a wink and went into action. The Rittenhouse 100 came out, so did the maraschino, I saw the Noilly Prat dry vermouth float into a 1 ounce jigger, and then my eyes lit up - G was reaching for the bottle of Cynar, the artichoke derived amaro.

The end product was a sublime cocktail served up in a frosted Nick and Nora cocktail glass, plus dividend on the side. The amaro and the maraschino compliment the 100 proof rye and make the drink smooth and velvety. The dry vermouth cuts the sweetness and give the drink a light maroon color. No need to garnish with citrus or add bitters.

The Bensonhurst
2oz Rittenhouse Rye (100 proof)
1oz Noilly Pratt dry vermouth
2 tsp of Luxardo Maraschino
1 tsp of Cynar

Combine over ice, stir, and strain into a Nick and Nora or Coupe glass.

Now it may be some time before Bensonhurst bartenders serving modern day Ralph Kramdens their shot and a beer catch on to this drink, so until then check out your local quality cocktail bar closer to Manhattan. You know where to go. Salute!