To Make The Crushed Ice: Wrap a handful of ice cubes in a clean kitchen towel or in a ice bag, and, using a rolling pin or mallet, tap on it until all the ice is broken up and crushed into grape-sized pieces. Place ice in a cocktail glass and set aside.

To Make The Man O' War Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes then add the bourbon (or rye or whiskey), Cointreau, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice. Close and shake until it is thoroughly chilled (almost too cold to touch), at least 20 seconds. Taste and add more lemon if you want it more tart or more Cointreau if you want it sweeter.

To Serve The Man O' War Cocktail: Strain the cocktail into the ice-filled cocktail glass, spear a few brandied cherries and a few bits of lemon peel onto a few cocktail toothpicks and garnish each glass. Serve.