Manhattan

The Manhattan is one of the all-time classic cocktails no matter the season, but it is especially good this time of year because of its richness and complexity.  It is comprised simply of bourbon and sweet vermouth, so using high-quality spirits is a must.  Another key component of this drink is the garnish -- a cocktail cherry -- and I went all out by buying a jar of Luxardo cherries, the Cadillac of cocktail cherries.  They have a rich, sweet and authentic cherry flavor; nothing like the sad, bright-red version you find in the ice cream section of the grocery store.  It usually is served "up" in a cocktail glass, and I tend to be a stickler when it comes to proper presentation, but I like mine on the rocks so I make an exception this time.  Again, not a drink for beginners, but once you acquire the taste you won't look back.

Boulevardier

Like food, cocktails also have a seasonal quality to them. Fall/Winter is a great time to try a richer, more complex drink. Enter the Boulevardier, a classic yet unheralded drink that you won't find at your local TGI Friday's. It is a cousin of the Negroni, which I have featured here previously. Whereas the Negroni is made with equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, the Boulevardier swaps out the gin for bourbon. In contrast to the crisp, floral notes of the Negroni, the Boulevardier brings a warm, sweeter profile. It is not a drink for beginners, but there's nothing like it on a chilly evening.