Ahhhh yes, the Manhattan.

While growing up, almost every year, Thanksgiving would be held at our house. With both sets of grandparents on opposite ends of the spectrum in almost every view, my Mom while slaving away in the kitchen would have a couple Manhattans done by 1pm to calm the nerves of the potential WWIII that was brewing in the living room where my Pop was playing Henry Kissinger with the grandparents all of whom were Manhattan fans. I was the mixmaster from an early age and of course my brother and I would sneak our own Manhattans (with some cherry juice added to sweeten things a bit).
By the time dinner was ready, it was all one big "I love you" family holiday fest. Amazing how it always worked out.

The choice then and now when I drink one is bourbon.