If you’re a fan of the classic Manhattan cocktail, you’ll love what the Black Manhattan brings to the table. This bold variation swaps the traditional sweet vermouth for Amaro Averna, adding a richer, more complex layer of flavor.
Although its dark appearance might seem intimidating at first, Amaro Averna is surprisingly smooth and sweet, making this cocktail approachable even for beginners. This delicious twist was first crafted by bartender Todd Smith back in 2005 while he was working at the legendary Bourbon and Branch in San Francisco.
What makes the Black Manhattan stand out is its perfect balance, bittersweet with herbal depth and a lingering warmth from the whiskey. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply unwinding at home, it’s a cocktail that feels both sophisticated and satisfying.
Ingredients for a Perfect Black Manhattan Cocktail
- 60 ml (2 oz) rye or bourbon whiskey – Choose a high-quality brand for a smoother finish.
- 20 ml (2/3 oz) Amaro Averna:This Italian amaro brings depth and subtle sweetness.
- 1 dash Angostura bitters: Adds warm spice and balance.
- 1 dash orange bitters: Brightens the cocktail with citrusy notes.
- Cocktail cherry: For a classic garnish.
- Lemon or orange twist (optional): Enhances aroma and adds a zesty finish.
Tools You’ll Need to Make the Black Manhattan Cocktail
- Jigger: For accurate measurement of spirits (because precision matters in cocktails!).
- Mixing glass: Where all the magic happens,combine and chill your ingredients with ice.
- Julep strainer: Helps you strain the liquid into the glass while keeping the ice behind.
- Coupe glass: A stylish choice for serving your Black Manhattan with elegance.
How to Make a Black Manhattan Cocktail- Step-by-Step Method
- Start by chilling your coupe glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water. A cold glass helps maintain the cocktail’s perfect temperature.
- In your mixing glass, add 60 ml (2 oz) rye or bourbon, 20 ml (2/3 oz) Amaro Averna, and one dash each of Angostura and orange bitters.
- Add ice to the mixing glass and stir gently for about 20–30 seconds. You’re looking for a perfectly chilled and slightly diluted mix.
- Strain the cocktail into your now chilled coupe glass using a julep strainer. This step keeps unwanted ice out and gives you a silky pour.
- For garnish, drop in a cocktail cherry. Want to level up the aroma? Fold a coin of lemon or orange zest over the drink to release the oils—then discard it.
- Sip and enjoy! You’ve just made a Black Manhattan that’s worthy of any classy bar setting.
Best Spirits to Use in a Black Manhattan Cocktail
Amaro Averna is the classic choice for this cocktail. It offers a rich, bittersweet flavor with herbal and caramel notes that perfectly balance the rye or bourbon. While Averna has a distinct profile, you can experiment with other dark amaros like Amaro Lucano, Amaro Nonino, or Ramazzotti. Just keep in mind: the sweeter the amaro, the less you’ll need, so adjust the proportions to taste.
As for the base spirit, most traditional Black Manhattan recipes call for rye whiskey, which brings a spicier bite. However, if you prefer something smoother and slightly sweeter, bourbon is a great alternative.
We recommend using a quality bottle like Knob Creek Rye, Rittenhouse Rye, or even Woodford Reserve Bourbon, all of which work beautifully in stirred whiskey cocktails.
FAQ
1. What is a Black Manhattan?
A Black Manhattan is a modern twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail. Instead of sweet vermouth, it uses Amaro Averna or another dark amaro, giving it a richer, slightly bitter flavor with herbal and caramel notes.
2. What’s the difference between a Manhattan and a Black Manhattan?
The key difference lies in the ingredient swap:
- Manhattan uses sweet vermouth.
- Black Manhattan replaces it with Amaro Averna or a similar dark amaro.
This substitution creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile with less sweetness.
3. What is the best whiskey to use in a Black Manhattan?
Traditionally, rye whiskey is preferred for its spicy edge. However, bourbon is a great alternative if you like a smoother, sweeter finish. Top choices include Knob Creek Rye, Rittenhouse Rye, and Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
4. Can I use a different amaro besides Averna?
Yes! While Averna is the classic choice, you can try alternatives like Amaro Lucano, Ramazzotti, or Amaro Nonino. Just remember to adjust proportions based on sweetness, as each amaro has its own unique flavor.
5. Should a Black Manhattan be stirred or shaken?
Always stir, not shake. Stirring preserves the cocktail’s clarity and creates a smoother texture, which is ideal for spirit-forward drinks like the Black Manhattan.
Final Thought
When it comes to Black Manhattan, stirring is essential. Shaking may work for juice-heavy cocktails, but for spirit-forward classics like this, stirring ensures a silky texture, crystal-clear appearance, and balanced flavor. So next time you mix one, slow down, stir it well, and sip with style.
You’ll also like these latest recipes!
