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A Black Manhattan is a bittersweet, herb-forward variation on the classic Manhattan. It replaces sweet vermouth with Averna Amaro and adds orange bitters, creating a richer cocktail with herbal and citrus notes. The drink was created in 2005 in San Francisco by bartender Todd Smith. This recipe makes one cocktail and takes about three minutes to prepare.
Black Manhattan Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey: Rye gives the drink the familiar dry, spicy foundation of a Manhattan.
- 1 ounce Averna Amaro: This bittersweet Italian amaro contributes herbal, mint, citrus, and caramel notes. It takes the place of sweet vermouth.
- 1 dash Angostura bitters: Adds aromatic depth and helps balance the whiskey and amaro.
- 1 dash orange bitters: Brings a subtle citrus accent that distinguishes this variation from the classic recipe.
- 1 maraschino cherry: Use it as a garnish; a brandied cherry is another suitable option.
A mixing glass, bar spoon, ice, and coupe glass are useful for preparation. Chilling the coupe beforehand helps the drink stay cold when served.
How to Make a Black Manhattan
- Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the rye whiskey, Averna Amaro, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters.
- Stir with a bar spoon for about 10–15 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a cherry and serve.
Stirring, rather than shaking, chills and combines the ingredients while keeping the cocktail clear. Use plenty of ice in the mixing glass and strain promptly once the drink is cold.
Tips for a Balanced Cocktail
- Chill the glass: Place the coupe in the freezer briefly or fill it with ice water while preparing the drink, then empty and dry it before serving.
- Try an orange peel: Expressing a strip of orange peel over the finished drink can emphasize the citrus notes from the orange bitters.
- Adjust the whiskey style: Bourbon can be used instead of rye for a sweeter, rounder result.
- Measure carefully: The amaro has a distinctive bittersweet flavor, so keeping the stated proportions gives the whiskey room to come through.
Black Manhattan vs. a Classic Manhattan
The main difference is the choice of modifier: a traditional Manhattan uses sweet vermouth, while a Black Manhattan uses Averna Amaro. The Black Manhattan recipe also includes a dash of orange bitters alongside aromatic bitters. Together, these changes make the drink more herbal and bittersweet than the classic version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Black Manhattan?
The usual ingredients are rye whiskey, Averna Amaro, aromatic bitters, orange bitters, and a cherry garnish. The recipe below specifies two ounces of rye and one ounce of amaro.
When was the Black Manhattan created?
Bartender Todd Smith created the cocktail in 2005 in San Francisco. The classic Manhattan is much older; it is associated with New York City and dates to the 1870s.
Can you make it with bourbon?
Yes. Bourbon can replace rye if you prefer a sweeter profile. The cocktail will still include the amaro and both types of bitters.
Black Manhattan Recipe
Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep time: 3 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1 ounce Averna Amaro
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Coupe glass
Instructions
- Add the rye whiskey, Averna Amaro, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir for about 10–15 seconds, until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a cherry.
This cocktail contains alcohol. Serve responsibly and only to adults of legal drinking age.
Conclusion
A Black Manhattan is an easy stirred cocktail for anyone who enjoys the whiskey-led character of a Manhattan with deeper herbal and bittersweet notes. Use the measured recipe as a starting point, chill the glass, and choose rye or bourbon to suit your preferred balance.
