Have you ever wondered how to take a timeless cocktail and make it even better? The Black Manhattan cocktail does just that, offering a sophisticated spin on the classic Manhattan. By swapping sweet vermouth for Averna amaro, this drink brings a rich, bittersweet taste that’s perfect for anyone looking to try something new.
In this article, we’ll cover the history of the Black Manhattan, share an easy recipe, and give tips to enjoy it. Whether you’re a cocktail fan or a beginner, you’ll find something valuable here. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is a Manhattan Cocktail?
The classic Manhattan is a famous drink with a long history. It’s made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, served in a chilled glass with a cherry on top. Many believe it started in the late 1800s at the Manhattan Club in New York City, possibly for a party hosted by Winston Churchill’s mother.
This cocktail has been loved for over a century. The Black Manhattan takes this recipe and adds a modern twist. Instead of sweet vermouth, it uses Averna amaro, creating a darker, more complex flavor.
The Birth of the Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan was born in 2005 at Bourbon & Branch, a bar in San Francisco Institute of Culinary Education. Bartender Todd Smith wanted to shake up the classic Manhattan. He replaced sweet vermouth with Averna amaro, an Italian bitter liqueur, and the result was a hit.
This change gave the drink a deep color and a bold taste. Since then, the Black Manhattan has spread to bars worldwide. It’s now a favorite for those who enjoy creative cocktails.
Ingredients and Recipe
Want to make a Black Manhattan cocktail at home? Here’s everything you need and how to do it.
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz Averna amaro
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Steps to Make the Cocktail
- Chill your glass: Put a coupe glass in the freezer for 10 minutes. This keeps the drink cold without too much ice melting.
- Mix it up: In a mixing glass, combine rye whiskey, Averna amaro, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters.
- Add ice and stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Stir with a spoon for 30 seconds to chill it well Liquor.com.
- Strain it: Take the coupe glass out of the freezer. Pour the mix through a strainer into the glass.
- Garnish: Drop a maraschino cherry in the drink. Sip and enjoy!
The art of stirring a Black Manhattan to perfection.
This cocktail recipe is simple and takes about 5 minutes. If you don’t have a coupe glass, a martini glass works too.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
The Black Manhattan has a taste all its own. The rye whiskey gives it a spicy kick, with hints of pepper and grain. Averna amaro adds a bittersweet layer, bringing flavors like caramel, herbs, and orange peel.
The Angostura and orange bitters tie it together with a touch of spice and citrus. Unlike the classic Manhattan, this version is less sweet and more bitter. It’s a great pick if you like a dry, grown-up drink.
For example, the amaro’s herbal notes make it feel warm and cozy. Many people enjoy sipping it slowly to savor every flavor.
Savor the rich, bittersweet taste of a Black Manhattan.
Serving Suggestions
How should you serve a Black Manhattan? Use a chilled coupe glass for the best experience. The cold glass keeps the drink crisp, and the shape looks elegant.
Garnish it with a maraschino cherry for a hint of sweetness. You can also try an orange twist for a fresh scent. This cocktail works as an aperitif before dinner or a digestif after a meal.
It pairs well with rich foods. Try it with cured meats, aged cheeses, or even dark chocolate, or pair it with a sweet pineapple upside-down cake shot for a fun twist. The bitterness balances savory and sweet flavors perfectly.
Pair your Black Manhattan with cheese and chocolate for a treat.
Variations and Substitutions
You can tweak the Black Manhattan to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:
- Switch the whiskey: Rye is classic, but bourbon makes it sweeter. For a smoky vibe, try peated scotch.
- Change the amaro: No Averna? Use Cynar or Amaro Montenegro. Each one shifts the flavor a bit.
- Play with bitters: Chocolate bitters add richness. Walnut bitters bring a nutty twist.
- Adjust sweetness: Add a dash of simple syrup if you like it less dry.
These changes let you experiment, much like tweaking a lychee martini to suit your taste. For instance, bourbon and chocolate bitters create a smoother, dessert-like drink.
Fun Facts and Trivia
The Black Manhattan has some cool stories behind it. Averna amaro, its star ingredient, comes from Italy. It was first made in 1868 by Salvatore Averna in Sicily as a health tonic.
Today, it’s still made with the same recipe. The coupe glass has history too. It was created in the 1600s for champagne but later became a cocktail favorite.
Here’s another tidbit: The classic Manhattan might have been invented for a fancy party in the 1870s. True or not, it’s a fun piece of cocktail lore.
Conclusion
The Black Manhattan cocktail shows how a small change can refresh a classic. With its bold rye whiskey and bitter Averna amaro, it’s a drink that’s both familiar and new. It’s perfect for a quiet night or a lively party.
Why not try making one tonight? It’s easy, and you might love the result. Share your thoughts below or post a picture of your creation online!
Black Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz Averna amaro
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Place a coupe glass in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill it thoroughly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, add 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz Averna amaro, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and 1 dash orange bitters.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain: Remove the coupe glass from the freezer and strain the mixture into it using a fine strainer.
- Garnish: Drop 1 maraschino cherry into the drink and serve immediately.
Notes
- Tip: Use a high-proof rye whiskey (like 100-proof) for a stronger flavor backbone.
- Variation 1: Swap rye whiskey for bourbon if you prefer a sweeter, smoother taste.
- Variation 2: Try Cynar or Amaro Montenegro instead of Averna for a different bitter profile.
- Garnish Twist: Replace the cherry with an orange peel twist for a citrusy aroma.
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 4g (from the maraschino cherry and amaro)
- Protein: 0g
- Alcohol: ~22g (based on 2 oz rye whiskey at 40% ABV and 1 oz Averna at 29% ABV)
