Diving into the world of cocktails, let's shine a spotlight on the Bamboo: a harmonious blend of sherry, vermouth, and bitters, presented as a measured nod to the seamlessly assembled classic Manhattan cocktail. Here's the twist - as opposed to relying on a stronger spirit core, the Bamboo confidently substitutes fino sherry and aligns itself with a dry vermouth, striking a striking balance between the Manhattan and the Martini in structure.

The intriguing journey of the Bamboo cocktail commenced alongside a surge of nod-worthy sherry-centric cocktails modeled after the Manhattan. One of the prominent drinks in this series being the Adonis. Our journey into the origins of this cocktail takes us to San Francisco, with credit given to Louis Eppinger, a barkeeper whose establishment enjoyed much fame in the 1870s cityscape. All this according to cocktail historian David Wondrich and his insightful discourse in The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails.

The Prohibition era saw the popularity of such sherry-inclusive cocktails wane, but like a Phoenix, the Bamboo, along with its sherry-based counterparts, has made a notable comeback amidst the cocktail renaissance period. Bartenders have breathed new life into these long-forgotten classics, reintroducing them into modern-day cocktail menus across the globe.

The Bamboo treads down a unique avenue for the Martini lover who wants to branch out into a cocktail that's a bit 'lighter on the spirits'. The consumption of sherry, compared to a 40% ABV spirit, softens the alcoholic impact reminiscent in a classic Martini but doesn't lose the gripping and intricate flavor profile.

Fino sherry, applauded for its yeasty and briny attributes, merges masterfully with the dry vermouth, allowing each sip to impart a savory and nutty flavor, akin to the Martini but with a distinguishable twist. An enticing blend of sherry and vermouth gets an added kick with a blend of orange and aromatic bitters offering spice, bitterness, and a little more life. As a usual requirement in a Manhattan and Martini, bitters find a warm welcome in the Bamboo, marking it as an even more appealing lower ABV variation.

Here's a basic rundown of what you’ll need for a Bamboo cocktail: 1 1/2 ounces of fino sherry, 1 1/2 ounces of dry vermouth, a dash of orange bitters, a dash of Angostura bitters, and a lemon twist for garnish. Mix all the ingredients, excluding the garnish, in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir for 20-30 seconds until the concoction is beautifully chilled. Strain this into a pristine Nick & Nora glass or a coupe, finishing it off with a twist of lemon for garnish.