Almost three years ago I wrote a post on one of my favorite Manhhattans that I have ever had.  That drink was served by an excellent bartender.   I decided to go back to the Cortiina Hotel Bar in Munich and see if that fantastic drink still existed.   

My only request was for it to be made with Basil Hayden bourbon. I left the rest up to the bar host/server (Djemal) and bartender. Note: The fact that this bar has at least seven different types of real bourbon tells me they are serious. Many times in Europe a bar carries Jack as their “bourbon”… And that’s it. Ugh- oh please. 

As with my first time here, I knew upon arrival of my cocktail, and before I tasted it, that is was perfect. The mixed liquids were beautifully see-through. (A 4:2 ratio was used for the bourbon and vermouth) and very importantly, they never saw the inside of a shaker.  The amount of vermouth didn’t darken the drink to look like over steeped English tea, it was still a bourbon colored cocktail. Perfect. 

Well, I was right.  It was made perfectly by a bartender who definitely cares about what they are doing and knows how to do it.  The drink was as crisp as physically possible, they used what I presume to be home made or small batch brandied cherries that could likely be locally acquired.  Everything was perfect, including the slight hint of bitters. 

I definitely recommend this bar as a must do while in Munich, but as it is small and popular, I recommend that you plan to wait to get in or make a reservation.