Five Keys
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 25.7% ABV ∙
The Five Keys is a stirred bourbon cocktail built with rosso vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Cynar, finished up in a coupe. Bourbon warmth anchors the sip, with cherried maraschino sweetness meeting Cynar's bitter, artichoke-tinged edge for a dry, contemplative finish — a slow after-dinner pour.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Bourbon 40 mlRosso vermouth 25 mlMaraschino liqueur 10 mlCynar 10 ml
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry
Tips
- Chill the coupe beforehand; a warm glass shortens how long the drink holds its temperature at this dilution.
- Stir for about 30 seconds over ice to reach a silky, properly diluted texture without clouding it.
- Measure the Cynar and maraschino carefully; both are assertive and can easily overpower the bourbon if over-poured.
History
The Five Keys is a modern variation on the Manhattan, keeping the bourbon-and-sweet-vermouth base but folding in maraschino liqueur and Cynar, a bittersweet artichoke amaro, for an earthier, more bitter finish. No single bar or bartender is widely credited with it; it circulates through cocktail sites as one of many contemporary riffs on the classic. The Manhattan itself dates to late-19th-century New York, its first written recipes appearing in the 1880s.
FAQ
What is in a Five Keys?
Bourbon, rosso vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Cynar, stirred with ice and fine-strained into a chilled glass. It is garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Is a Five Keys shaken or stirred?
Stirred. The drink is all spirits and liqueurs, so stirring chills and dilutes it while keeping the texture clear and silky rather than aerated.
What glass is a Five Keys served in?
A coupe glass. It is fine-strained and served up, so no ice reaches the glass.
How strong is a Five Keys?
About 25.7% ABV, which puts it firmly in spirit-forward Manhattan territory rather than a lighter aperitif.
Is a Five Keys vegan?
Yes, it is vegan, vegetarian, and lactose-free, since bourbon, vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Cynar are all plant-based with no dairy or animal products.
