Mike's Mix got a special taste of a signature drink at a century-old Minneapolis establishment. Monte Carlo, a copper-topped Minneapolis legacy, opened in 1906. This week, Mike tries the North Loop bar's classic Monte Carlo.

Monte Carlo Manhattan

2 oz Bulleit bourbon

½ oz sweet vermouth

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a twist of orange.

Taste Test

If there's an old-school, retro drink that's classier than the Manhattan, I haven't met it yet.  Be sure to use high-quality ingredients to make this simple, spirit-forward drink, but keep in mind that newer isn't necessarily better. Monte Carlo bartender Thomas Marrone says time-tested brands like Old Grand-Dad and Early Times shouldn't be forgotten when building a drink such as this.

Monte Carlo Online

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