The Five Keys

The Five Keys cocktail

To toast the Now What? box I present the “Five Keys” cocktail, a delightful riff on the classic Manhattan. As you may know, the Manhattan is one of the all time classics of the cocktail world, and that seemed perfectly appropriate for this incredible classic from Peter Hajek, which is sure to go down in the puzzle history books for all time.  The Manhattan, a tasty combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, likely originated in the second half of the nineteenth century, with the first written description appearing in 1882.  Many stories of its invention exist, and none are certain, but it was most certainly named to celebrate the famous island in New York.  The original recipes from the turn of the twentieth century add various dashes of sugar and flavor, such as absinthe, or curacao, and included maraschino liqueur and orange bitters.  The Five Keys cocktail is a bit of a nod to the past – perhaps an homage to the five boroughs – in that it includes maraschino, and adds a touch of flavor in the form of Cynar, a delicious Italian Amaro.  Originally created for Blade and Bow whiskey, the Five Keys will unlock your appreciation with any fine whiskey, even if it doesn’t help you unlock the Now What? box.

Now what? Open the box and drink the cocktail, obviously.

The Five Keys

1 1⁄3 oz Whiskey (originally with Blade and Bow)

3⁄4 oz sweet vermouth

1⁄4 oz Cynar

1⁄4 oz Maraschino liqueur (I used cranberry liqueur, which was delicious)

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass.  Garnish with the key to a great puzzle.