Ever since gingham hit the Monday Style Prompt, I’ve been on the lookout for more gingham and, as thrifting-luck would have it, I scored some black gingham pants at last weekend’s VV Boutique pre-sale!

Gingham pants $3, vintage cobalt pumps $5.50, black top gifted but thrifted
Gingham pants $3, vintage cobalt pumps $5.50, black top gifted but thrifted, accessories by She Does Create

My first “Spirits and Style” cocktail was inspired by a 70’s-vibe print and these pants, to me, have a 60’s vibe.

A great print makes for simple style.
A great print makes for simple style.

And so, these classic pants inspired a classic 60’s cocktail: the Manhattan.  I have never had a Manhattan before and assumed it would be a carefully calculated and prepared cocktail.  Actually, a traditional Manhattan is a simple recipe – 2 parts sweet vermouth, 1 part rye whiskey and a dash of bitters; stirred with ice for 30 seconds, then poured and garnished with a cherry.  Except I’m not a big rye fan and didn’t want to buy a whole bottle of rye for a new drink SO I substituted my fave whiskey – Sortilege Maple Whiskey – to make a “Maple Manhattan.”

Bitters aren't easy to find - these Angostura bitters were at Save On Foods.
Bitters aren’t easy to find – these Angostura bitters were at Save On Foods.  The vermouth was in the wine section at my local liquor store.  “Happy hour” at my place involves cooking dinner, doing dishes and supervising homework.  #reallifestyle
I consider it a win if I manage to make it through "Happy Hour" without changing into my pajamas.
I consider it a win if I manage to make it through “Happy Hour” without changing into my pajamas.
1. Pour ingredients in a glass.  2. Pour over ice.  3.  Pour into glass.  4. Pour into mouth.
1. Pour ingredients in a glass. 2. Pour over ice. 3. Pour into glass. 4. Pour into mouth.
The Maple Manhattan
The Maple Manhattan

I enjoyed the Maple Manhattan!  This is a true sipping cocktail, to be savoured and tasted… not so easy to do when you’re juggling a hundred things but still, it added a touch of sophistication to my Wednesday evening!  Purists may point out that it’s not a “real” Manhattan and that my cherries are inadequate – I agree and I have DIY plans for some proper brandy cherries – but for a working mom of the three on a Wednesday evening, the Maple Manhattan was the perfect blend of spirits for my real-life style!

60's style pants, 60's style cocktails!
60’s style pants, 60’s style cocktails!

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