Break the cinnamon bark in half. Cut the peel off the orange and remove the pith from the inside of it. Break the orange into pieces. Put everything into a jar and add the cloves, star anise and vanilla.

Pour the vodka into the jar and put the lid on it. Do not seal, but close the lid loosely.

Fill a small saucepan with water approximately half way. Place the jar into the pan and turn the burner on medium-high. Allow the water to come to a simmer and remove the lid from the jar.

Once the water has come to a simmer, the liquid will start to boil inside the jar. Let it cook like this for 10 minutes. Turn off the burner and let it cool 5 minutes.

Remove the jar from the pan and transfer it to a hot pad to allow it to cool about 30 minutes.

Strain the liquid from the bitters into a jar and close it with a lid.

To make the manhattan, pour the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters into a cocktail shaker. Add ice, cover and shake until well mixed. Strain the cocktail into a glass.

Add a maraschino cherry and an orange peel for garnish