Years ago, I was home visiting my father and he offered to make Bourbon Manhattan's. Now I'm not a mixed drink fan - why ruin the taste of good booze with sweeteners - but these were quite nice. Turns out he made what was called a dry Manhattan, and then added a dash of Tabasco. Whether that was a hang-over from his time in the Southwest or not, it seemed to accent rather than diminish the taste of the bourbon.

4 ounces Bourbon
2 ounce dry vermouth
2 dashes bitters
1 dash Tabasco

Dump everything into large glass of ice and stir until very cool. Pour off the liquid and add a Maraschino cherry. Makes 2 drinks normally or one long one if your Memorial Day is being flooded out.
Make it with Scotch and you got a Rob Roy. Good to know as the Bourbon is kinda low...