February, for most of us, is a frigid, dark month. The sparkle of the holiday season is behind us, and spring feels like a long, lost lover. Valentine's day is the perfect elixir.

I once asked a playwright to describe the meaning of his most recent body of work. Summing up the entire play in a simple sentence, he said: “It’s about love that happens in between the cracks, in the least obvious places.” This one quote defined for me, the essence of loving.

I look at Valentine's day as a time to stop and acknowledge where love has happened in the “crevices” of the life I share with my husband. The expression of love and caring can be a simple gesture like bringing me my morning coffee or, placing gloves in my car anticipating that I might feel cold. I am no martyr; I do enjoy a piece of jewelry now and again. He, on the other hand, much prefers my attention and affection over a monetary item.

This year, we will enjoy our evening at home. I will prepare a signature cocktail, my husband will purchase dinner at our local eatery, plate it nicely, and afterward, in our living room, we will slow dance to “Crooner” love songs.  For us, a perfect evening.

I am sharing this recipe for how to make a “Bottled Manhattan” that was published in Food & Wine magazine last year. It is a perfect make-ahead cocktail and the freezing process results in an ideal chill without watering down the Manhattan. It is festive and tastes delightful.

Bottled Manhattan

Ingredients:

1 1/2cups 100 proof rye whiskey

1 cup water

2/3 cup sweet vermouth

6 dashes Angostura bitters

Orange peel twists, for garnish

Maraschino cherries, such as Luxardo, for garnish

Directions:

Stir together whiskey, 1 cup water, vermouth, and bitters in a large spouted measuring cup.

Pour mixture into a freezer-safe glass bottle or container; secure lid.

Freeze at least overnight or up to 1 month. 

Move to the refrigerator 1 hour before serving.

To serve, pour about 1/2cup whiskey mixture into each of 6 cocktail glasses.

Garnish with cherries and orange peel.

Food for thought:

What are Luxardo cherries? Check the “ingredients” tab. You will also find a recipe for a delicious 2 ingredient dessert using Luxardo cherries.

I keep dried Italian orange rind slices in my bar cabinet for when I don’t have fresh oranges on hand. I have purchased these online & at select liquor stores.

Are you not feeling it this year? For those of you struggling with loss, or for any reason find yourself alone this Valentine's Day, remember that love comes in many forms. Comfort can be sought in memories and time spent with loving friends and family. Sweet wishes from me to you.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Luxardo Cherries are available from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2Q9oCGJ

Dried Orange Rind Slices are available from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2PMbQ1O