If you know this Queen Bee, you won’t be surprised to hear that I love both red wine and bourbon. So I thought, why not see how these two delicious drinks taste when paired together? And let me tell you, the result is absolutely delicious. The Red Moon Over Manhattan takes the rich flavors of your favorite bourbon and pairs them with a luxurious, full-bodied red wine to create a uniquely sophisticated cocktail recipe that is perfect for a fancy soirée in the city, or a night spent sipping cocktails in the comfort of your own home.

The first Manhattan cocktails date all the way back to the early 1880s, when the oldest known recipe was printed in a New York newspaper. Since that time, as with most traditional and well-loved drinks, there have been many different variations on the original. Over the years, mixologists around the globe have experimented with incorporating ingredients like absinthe, gum syrup, and even Curacao. But for me, the most interesting modification is the addition of red wine, and I just knew I had to give it a try. As a bonus, it adds a wonderful pop of color.

Now for this recipe, not just any bourbon or red wine will do. The Red Moon Over Manhattan is a spirit-forward libation, so I recommend selecting ingredients that you would be happy to enjoy served on their own. For the wine, I chose to use The Family Coppola’s Diamond Claret. This Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my favorites, and I knew that it’s cherry, chocolate, and spice tasting notes would be perfect for pairing with a delicious whiskey. And I was not wrong! I shook this red wine up with Coopers’ Craft Bourbon, which added a smooth vanilla flavor and a hint of oak. Add in some simple syrup and you’ve got a perfect Red Moon Over Manhattan. Enjoy!