Chill the Glass: Start by placing your cocktail glass in the freezer to chill.

Mix the Cocktail: In a mixing glass, combine the rye whiskey (or bourbon), sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur (or syrup), and bitters. Fill the mixing glass with ice, reaching about three-quarters full.

Stir Well: Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds or until well-chilled. The key is to stir, not shake, to ensure the cocktail remains clear and not cloudy.

Strain: Take the chilled glass from the freezer and strain the cocktail mixture into it.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a maraschino cherry on a cocktail stick. For an extra touch of cherry, you can also add a small splash of the juice from the cherry jar.