Pig in Manhattan

It goes without saying that bacon makes everything better. So we decided to upgrade one of our favorite classic cocktails, the Manhattan, with a hint of bacon, and it did not disappoint!

Your classic Manhattan calls for whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters. We upped the ante with a key ingredient, Bacon Brown Sugar Simple Syrup. I know, I know, it sounds like a lot of work, but trust me, it's easier than you think. Plus, if you make enough, this simple syrup can add some fun to another classic cocktail, the Old Fashioned, but we'll save that for another day. ​

First up is the Bacon Brown Sugar Simple Syrup!
Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup water

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Stir frequently until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Strain out candied bacon. Allow to cool. 

Now, on to the main event! This recipe is for two cocktails.
Ingredients:

• 3oz Boundary Street Bourbon
• 1oz bacon brown sugar simple syrup
• 1oz sweet vermouth (in your grocery store wine section)
• 5 dashes aromatic bitters 

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker glass. Add ice. Shake well until chilled. Strain into two rocks glasses over large cubes of ice (one large cube in each glass). Garnish with a skewered cherry and piece of bacon.