A few years ago it was the martini, then the amaretto sour (or perhaps in the opposite order). I keep calling for the return of the Harvey Wallbanger (I suspect the only thing hampering its return to fame is, perhaps, the price of Galliano. It couldn’t be the name. Or maybe it’s the fact that there really aren’t any variations on the original? At least…not yet.). According to some sources, the Manhattan is again on the rise.

 One of the things I like about mixing drinks is trying out the classics to see what makes them work—and then changing them to see if I can make them work better. (This works for cooking, too.) Of course, variations happen all the time, and sometimes they’re better than the original.

 For fun, and just in time for your end-of-season football parties, here are a couple classic recipes, with some ideas for switching them up. Hey, it’s January, it’s cold outside, you’re entertaining indoors…why not? And if you come up with any truly stellar combos, let us know.

Manhattan

• 1 ½ oz blended whisky (such as Seagram’s 7)


• ½ oz sweet vermouth or to taste (if you aren’t familiar with vermouth: this is the red vermouth)


• Dash of Angostura bitters


• Maraschino cherry (garnish)

 Mix whisky, vermouth and bitters in a mixing glass or pitcher with ice and strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass. Garnish with cherry.

 Ideas to mix it up: changing the whisky is an easy change. High on the charts these days are bourbon Manhattans (Maker’s Mark, especially). Add a twist by swapping the cherry for a slip of lemon or orange peel. (Note: by now, this may not be a Manhattan. It may be something else entirely. However, it's the fun of creating tastes you'd never tried that's the point, not the name. The original drink is just a place to start.) Any other ideas?

 Harvey Wallbanger (you knew this one was coming, didn’t you?)

• 1-1/2 oz vodka


• 4 oz orange juice


• 1/2 oz Galliano

 Pour vodka and ornge juice into a chilled highball glass with several ice cubes and stir well. Float Galliano on top.

 I love vodka drinks: they present almost endless opportunities for creativity. Galliano adds a vanilla layer to the drink, so changing the vodka to a flavored vodka like citron, vanilla, or similar (whipped cream, perhaps?) that complements the hint of vanilla would be a great way to mix it up. Change the fruit juice for something still tropical, but not orange—maybe a pineapple-orange-banana. Could you make a straight cocktail with vodka, citrus vodka, and Galliano float? Serve it in a martini glass for added elegance?

 Any favorite drink variations (on these or other classics) you’d like to share?