The American Dad is a whiskey-based cocktail created as a Father’s Day drink. It draws inspiration from the classic Manhattan but tweaks the sweet/dry balance with French influences for a strong, traditional profile.
Why the Name?
The pun comes from “Amer” (a French aperitif) in the ingredients—AMERican Dad. It’s a playful nod to dads who enjoy classic whiskey cocktails.
Ingredients (for one serving)
- 2 oz rye whiskey (e.g., Michter’s recommended)
- ½ oz Amer (such as Amer Picon or a similar French aperitif like Toriani; it brings bitter orange and gentian root notes)
- ÂĽ oz dry vermouth (often called “French vermouth”)
- ÂĽ oz maraschino liqueur (e.g., Luxardo for nutty sweetness)
- 1 dash orange bitters (e.g., Gary Regan’s)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir well until chilled (about 20–30 seconds).
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass (coupe or martini-style).
- Garnish with an orange twist (express the oils over the drink and drop it in or rub it on the rim).
This is a stirred, spirit-forward drink—smooth, bitter-edged, and not overly sweet, with rye’s spice balanced by the Amer’s orange bitterness, dry vermouth’s herbal notes, and a touch of cherry-nut depth from the maraschino.It’s best for fans of Manhattan variations (like the Brooklyn, which also uses dry vermouth and maraschino). If you can’t find Amer, some bartenders substitute or approximate with other bitter orange liqueurs, but the original calls for it.
Rate this drink
So refreshing and tasty. This is going to make appearance next week when I turn 23.