How to Pair Games and Cocktails

I didn't ask for this much vermouth.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution -- Manhattan

There is no question that Deus Ex is a noir game. And for a noir film, we need a noir drink, something that says cynicism and melodrama all at once. Enter the Manhattan: favored drink of washed-out private detectives and smoldering ingenues everywhere. (Of course, the game has several it's own cocktails, but I'm not about to sully good sake by mixing it with cough syrup.)

2 oz. whiskey
½ oz. sweet vermouth
a dash or two of Angostura bitters
maraschino cherry, to garnish

Combine the first three ingredients into a mixing glass and stir well. (Never, ever shake.) Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice (or better yet, whiskey stones), garnish with the cherry, and sip broodingly as you stare out the rain-slick window into the cold, uncaring night.

A classic drink dating back as far as the 1860s, the Manhattan is traditionally made with rye whiskey. But personally, I prefer bourbon above any other kind of whiskey, with Knob Creek as my current reigning fave. If you use Scotch call it a Rob Roy, or substitute tequila and call it an Anejo Manhattan. And feel free to substitute dry vermouth for the sweet, or use equal parts of both for a "perfect" Manhattan.

A note on vermouth: Keep in mind that vermouth is wine, and it will start to go downhill as soon as you open the bottle. Refrigerating it may help it last a little longer, but the older it gets the more stale it's going to taste, so replace your bottle if it's starting to look a little dusty. And as with any wine, different brands have different flavors, so experiment around until you find one you like.

Alternates: Gibson, Singapore Sling

 

More after the jump...