Orly Bird

This cocktail is named after Paris' famous Orly airport or the aircraft that land there. It is also classically Franco-American in that it resembles a Manhattan with just hints of spirits representing the Paris spirit scene in the 1900s. For the traditional Manhattan drinker, I recommend it over more bitter anise flavored cocktails with the same ingredients. The Orly Bird is milder and more whiskey-forward than the Waldorf or the Hearn's Cocktail, which use a higher proportion of Pernod.

Rather than use a rich cherry brandy--or cherry flavored brandy of dubious make--I decided that this cocktail was really calling for the dry maraschino flavor of Luxardo. The results proved me correct. You will not notice the flavoring effect of a few dashes of cherry brandy or Herring like you do a similar amount of Luxardo maraschino. In doing this, I made something classic and close to the whiskey version of the Martinez.

• 1 1/2 oz. blended whiskey (MurLarkey Heritage used)
• 1 tbsp. sweet vermouth (Cocchi Dopo Teatro used)
• several dashes cherry brandy (Luxardo used)
• several dashes Pernod

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.