Manhattan

Chill a coupe glass in the freezer.

Fill a mixing glass two-thirds with ice.

Add the rye, vermouth and bitters.

Stir for 25-30 seconds, until the glass frosts and the drink has taken on a little weight.

Strain into the chilled coupe.

Drop in the cherry. If it is a good one, a spoonful of its syrup is a legitimate sweetener and worth considering before you reach for sugar.

Serve immediately. A Manhattan warms faster than a martini because it has more sugar in it, and it is dull by the time it reaches room temperature.