Carnation Joe's Classic Manhattan served up with a side of Red Carnation!

Carnation Joe Classic Manhattan #FlowerCocktailHour

My Grandpa- Carnation Joe loved his Manhattans- and you could set the clock by his cocktail hour ritual. Everyday at 5pm – Carnation Joe and his Lily- would head back to their house on Linden Avenue for Cocktail Hour. They would mix up a pitcher of classic Manhattans- and enjoy the view of their garden- (Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter) -with a few mixed nuts and his cigarettes.

Carnation Joe loved his Manhattans up- rather than on the rocks- and while he used a classic martini glass- rather than the oversized one I use in this Life in Bloom Show… the results were the same! Here’s a classic Polaroid Photo of Carnation Joe and his Lily toasting at the bar in their great room at 1040 N. Linden Avenue.

Carnation Joe and his Lily enjoy a Classic Manhattan.

Carnation Joe and his Lily enjoy a Classic Manhattan.

Here’s the Classic Recipe- for this #FlowerCocktailHour- while not particularly flowery- it’s still a Wonderful Flower Filled Memory thanks to Carnation Joe and his Lily!

Carnation Joe Classic Manhattan – Served up…

2 oz Bourbon

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

1 oz Dry Vermouth

Several drops of Bitters

Shaken over ice and served in a chilled martini glass
Garnish with a bourbon infused cherry!

The Carnation Joe Classic Manhattan- served up- with a side of Red Carnation!

The Carnation Joe Classic Manhattan- served up- with a side of Red Carnation!