This month, quiet nights at home will be traded for last-minute shopping trips, holiday parties, and hosting family and friends. No better time to imbibe, right? If you’re looking to escape the kitchen and piles of wrapping paper, Gemelli on Main in Manayunk offers an adult treat that’s sure to bring holiday cheer: the Chocolate Manhattan. General manager David Howard created this silky-smooth concoction using American rye whiskey infused with Dutch-processed organic chocolate. Finished off with G.E. Massenez Crème de Griotte (likened to a wild-cherry liqueur) and high-quality sweet vermouth, the drink has all the familiarity, comfort and flavor of an instant seasonal classic.
Homemade Chocolate Manhattan
• Infuse American rye whiskey with organic dark chocolate for three weeks, then filter in a French press and sieve to extract granules.
• Mix 2 1/2 ounces of the whiskey infusion with 1/2 ounce of Carpano Antica Italian vermouth or any sweet vermouth on hand.
• Add 1/2 ounce G.E. Massenez Crème de Griotte or Amarena Fabbri wild cherries (available at DiBruno Bros.) and a few dashes of chocolate bitters.
• Add ice and stir, strain over fresh ice, and serve with a preserved or brandied cherry (not maraschino).
Look for Beth Ceccarelli’s review of Gemelli on Main in the December 2011 issue.
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