The Gift Basket

One of our popular winter cocktails is leaving the menu at Revival Bar + Kitchen to make room for lighter, more summery drinks. I thought I'd post it here in case someone decides they can't live without it and they need to recreate it at home. It's a simple stirred cocktail that Manhattan lovers will enjoy, with just a hint of smokiness from the blended scotch (I have some recommendations below). It also makes a great after-dinner cocktail.

The Gift Basket

1.75 oz blended scotch (I used Bank Note)
.75 oz 5 year Madeira (I used Broadbent)
.5 oz Amaro Nonino
Small dash each of Angostura bitters, and Ango. orange bitters

Stir ingredients in a mixing glass until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe, and garnish with a wide orange peel, squeezing the oils onto the top of the drink.

As for scotch, I've tried it with Famous Grouse achieving decent results, but lacking the depth I really wanted. Bank Note has been my go-to for this one, but I can also highly recommend Monkey Shoulder, which is a blend of Speyside single malts that also makes a good sipping whiskey.  If you want to bump up the smoke (but in a controlled way), try adding just a tablespoon of a peaty single malt such as Ardbeg or Ledaig.