This cocktail is New York all the way. It’s the perfect expression of the neighborhood that Pegu Club’s Audrey Saunders named it for, with the American brawn of rye whiskey and the richness of Italian ingredients. Don’t be shy about using cherries with a ittle extra syrup—it dribbles into the glass and creates a port-like undertone.
2 oz. rye whiskey
1/2 oz. Cynar
3/4 oz. sweet vermouth
Tools: mixing glass, barspoon, strainer
Glass: small cocktail
Garnish: 2 Luxardo cherries, skewered
Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing tin/glass and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish.
Audrey Saunders, Pegu Club, New York City