Southern Manhattan Twist

Manhattan & Riffs • December 16, 2025

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A photo of the Southern Manhattan Twist cocktail containing Savage & Cooke Cask Finished Bourbon, Southern Comfort, Martini & Rossi Rosso Sweet Vermouth, Peychaud's Bitters in a Martini.

Curiada Ingredients

2.00 fl oz Savage & Cooke Cask Finished Bourbon or alternative
1.00 fl oz Southern Comfort or alternative
0.50 fl oz Martini & Rossi Rosso Sweet Vermouth or alternative
3.00 dash Peychaud's Bitters or alternative

Directions

Add ice to mixing glass
Pour all ingredients into mixing glass
Stir well with bar spoon
Strain into chilled martini glass
Express lemon zest twist over drink and drop into glass

Cocktail Description

A beautiful marriage between Kentucky bourbon and Georgia peach liqueur, the Southern Manhattan Twist breathes new life into a classic cocktail.

This variation on the traditional Manhattan replaces rye with Buffalo Trace's smooth bourbon and adds Southern Comfort for a subtle peach sweetness that perfectly balances the herbal notes from Martini & Rossi's sweet vermouth. The addition of Peychaud's Bitters brings a touch of anise and gentle spice, while the lemon zest garnish adds a bright aromatic finish that cuts through the drink's richness. Anyone comfortable with basic stirring techniques can prepare this cocktail in minutes—just remember that proper dilution from stirring creates the silky texture that makes this drink special. Try serving it at cocktail hour before a dinner featuring smoked meats, barbecue, or even rich seafood dishes like shrimp and grits. It's particularly enjoyable during autumn evenings when you want something slightly sweeter than a traditional Manhattan but still sophisticated and spirit-forward.