I first encountered Templeton Rye a few years ago when my friend Arianne was tending bar in Atlanta and introduced me to the whiskey which was new to the Georgia market. The rye has roots in the 20s during Prohibition and bottled in Iowa.

It’s a spicy whiskey that I enjoy using in Manhattans. The guys at Templeton sent me a bottle to celebrate Al Capone’s birthday. Apparently Al was a fan of the original iteration of the brand and they also sent a recipe to go along with it. If he was still alive, he’d be 116 today. Cheers!

THE CAPONE

3 oz. Templeton Rye Whiskey

1 oz. Grand Marnier

Splash of Champagne

Dash of bitters

Combine Templeton Rye, bitters and Grand Marnier in a shaker.

Shake well, strain in martini glass.

Float champagne and garnish with lemon twist.