The Firewater Lounge has always been a virtual presence, but it is built on the experiences of all the joys of the good people and warm places that we have had the good fortunes to visit- the simple charms of New Orleans’ Revel Bar, the classic Midwest grandeur of Louisville’s Seelbach Hotel, the camaraderie that the Penn Brewery extends to its non-Pittsburgh natives, the elegant flare of Boston’s Drink, I could go on and on. Many of these places are on temporary hiatus or, like Marvel Bar in Minneapolis, permanently closed, their good-byes abounding with hopeful thoughts of their patrons’ health and happiness during this begrudging, indefinite parting of ways.
Personally, I think the place I miss most is Bryant’s, with its darkened, yet friendly corners. Bryant’s is the kind of time machine whose dials are only set to ‘Milwaukee noir’ and the first person you meet when you step through the doors is Humphrey Bogart. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve always been older than my age; the ‘40s barman lurking in my soul is always tipping a fedora in Bryant’s direction.
This Christmas, then, since we can’t go to Bryant’s, let’s have the Firewater Lounge bring it to you. It’s 2020, though, so there’s always a difficulty. You see, Bryant’s cocktail recipes are a secret; to get them, you need to work there or know someone who has. Luckily for us, Bryant’s bartender Emily Evans has unveiled a riff on a timeless classic which tastes best in the winter- the Manhattan.
I’m going to give you most of the recipe here, except one ingredient to keep the recipe generally secret. If you are a Lounge Lizard, p.m. me and I’ll give you the last ingredient as a Christmas gift, plus we’d love to hear from you. We’ll get together soon, I promise. Lots of love from the Lounge to you all and have a Merry Christmas.
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