I cannot find my old favorite cocktail book called Barflies and Cocktails,by Harry McElhone…(the Harry of the well known Harry’s New York Bar in Paris) This little gem was written, I believe, in the roaring twenties. I may have to order a new copy.

I still drink a close adaptation from Harry’s book, taught to me by my parents. This was our traditional Thanksgiving Day libation, after the hunt, a woodland hike or the football game. we lived in a cool climate, often snowing in November, near Manhattan. I love the deep, rich, mahogany hue of this old New York favorite.

Harry’s Bar Manhattan…serves one

1 1/2 ounces rye whiskey
1 ounce dry vermouth
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon grenadine
few dashed orange bitters

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well, strain into a chilled Manhattan (martini) glass and serve. Garnish with a lemon twist or red cherry.

Just thinking of this traditional cocktail makes me long to put on a black dress, high heels and red lipstick.

The New Times recently reprinted a version of this Manhattan cocktail.