Martin Luther King Weekend Manhattan Recipe

Was searching the ‘net for ideas on an MLK weekend themed cocktail and stumbled on this amazing photo of Sammy Davis Jr. and Martin Luther King.

Further digging found this outstanding telegram from Martin Luther King Jr to Sammy Davis, asking if his pal Frank Sinatra could help out at an upcoming fundraiser/ cocktail party:

Sammy MLK telegram

The telegram was sent on February 12, 1968, less than two months later, on April 4th, King was assassinated.

In honor of MLK’s amazing life and work toward equality for all, I’ve resurrected this Rat-Pack style Manhattan variation for everyone to try, will be mixing one up to watch the Obama inauguration coverage from my warm San Francisco apartment. Enjoy!

Dry Manhattan (aka “Frank Sinatra Martini“)

  • 2 oz Canadian Whiskey (I like Forty Creek reserve)
  • 1 oz dry Vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Lemon twist

1. Fill a shaker with ice and add the whiskey, dry vermouth, and bitters. Stir vigorously until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
2. Strain into cocktail glasses, twist lemon over and drop it in.

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