Here’s a stirred version of the classiest of cocktails, the Manhattan. The chief difference, said Lost Lake bartender Paul McGee, is showing off the versatility of rum by combining it with rye whiskey. Also, instead of vermouth, the Rum River Mystic is bittered with byrrh, which includes quinine to achieve a softer flavor. Benedictine, an herbal liqueur from France, adds a touch of honey spice to the cocktail. Rum River Mystic 1 oz. rye whiskey 1 oz. rum (dryer style, such as Trinidadian) 0.75 oz. byrrh quinquina 0.25 oz. Benedictine 2 dashes angostura bitters Combine ingredients into mixing glass. Add ice and stir for 10 seconds. Serve over a large ice cube, express with orange peel.
