Two Campari Variations on the Manhattan

The last couple days I tried a couple variations on the Manhattan that called for Campari.  (See my write-up from a while back of the Belle of Camille cocktail, which is a cousin to these.)

The first one from Internet Cocktail Database is called the Special Manhattan: 1 3/4 oz bourbon (I used Russell Reserve), 1/2 oz sweet vermouth, and 1/4 oz Campari.  When a recipe calls for 1/2 oz, I use a tablespoon; for 1/4 oz, half a tablespoon.

This wasn't bad, not overly sweet but the Campari didn't overwhelm it with bitterness either.  Not a shabby take on the classic Manhattan.

The next one is called a variation on the Special Manhattan: 1 3/4 oz rye (I used Russell rye), 3/4 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Campari.  Now, how do you dash Campari?  Just in the last day or 2 I read that 6 dashes equal 1 teaspoon, I think it said.  Or maybe it was a tablespoon.  I guess I'd better find that again 'cause that's a big difference.  Anyway, I just drizzled in some Campari and called it a double dash.

This recipe wasn't nearly as good:  pretty bland and lacking in flavor all around.  If I'm going to order a Manhattan, I'll just stick with the classic bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitters, maybe a cherry if I'm feeling extravagant.