Black Manhattan: A Modern Twist on the Cocktail Classic
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The Black Manhattan takes the original Manhattan to new heights with its rich, deep flavors. Learn how to craft this modern cocktail at home in just a few minutes.
While sipping a delightful Sicilian Mule and viewing the Palermo skyline from a rooftop bar, we were instantly hooked on Averna, the cocktail’s key ingredient. Once home from our trip to the Italian island, we bought a bottle of Averna and immediately started researching drinks crafted with the full-bodied Sicilian amaro. That’s how we found the Black Manhattan, and we’re now obsessed with the modern cocktail that blends Averna with rye whiskey.
You may be wondering why we didn’t craft a Sicilian Mule first. It’s all about timing. While the Black Manhattan would taste wonderful any time of the year, it’s a great cocktail to sip while snuggling by the fireplace on a cold winter night. Plus, its deep red color is ideal for celebrating the holiday season.
What Is a Black Manhattan Cocktail?
The Black Manhattan is a modern riff on the classic Manhattan.
Its recipe switches bourbon with rye whiskey and sweet vermouth with amaro (preferably Averna) using a 2:1 ratio of rye to amaro. Dashes of Angostura bitters and orange bitters complete the recipe while a Luxardo maraschino cherry provides the drink’s finishing touch.
The Black Manhattan recipe creates a balanced, sophisticated cocktail that’s similar to the OG Manhattan, but, dare we say, even better. However, as much as we appreciate the Black Manhattan, we’re still confused by its name since the cocktail isn’t actually black.
History of the Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan made its debut in 2005, well more than a century after the original Manhattan made its 19th-century debut. And while the OG Manhattan has a nebulous origin story, the same can’t be said about the Black Manhattan.
It’s well-documented that Todd Smith, a San Francisco mixologist, crafted the original Black Manhattan while working at Bourbon and Branch. In just two decades, Smith’s concoction has become a modern cocktail classic.
Ingredients
You need the following ingredients to craft a Black Manhattan at home:
Ingredient quantities are detailed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Craft a Black Manhattan
Once you gather the Black Manhattan’s ingredients plus a few basic bar tools, the first step is to drop a handful of ice cubes into a mixing glass.
Measure the amaro and rye whiskey and immediately pour each into the mixing glass. We use a Japanese jigger for this step to ensure accurate measurements and minimize spillage.
Buy a Japanese jigger from Amazon if you need a jigger or want an inexpensive upgrade.
Dash both bitters into the mixing glass.
Stir the liquids with a bar spoon until they’re chilled and combined (approximately 10 seconds).
Strain the mixed liquids into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Don’t be surprised when your crafted Black Manhattan isn’t actually black. Expect more of a deep red color and you won’t be disappointed.
Variations
After you master this easy Black Manhattan recipe, consider the following variations:
Discover 10 essential bar tools for the home mixologist.
Black Manhattan Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1 ounce amaro (preferably Averna)
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry (garnish)
- ice cubes (for mixing)
Instructions
- Drop a handful of ice cubes into a mixing glass.
- Pour the rye and amaro into the mixing glass and add one dash each of Angostura bitters and orange bitters.
- Stir until the liquids are combined and chilled (approximately 10 seconds).
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Nutrition
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
A Black Manhattan is a riff on the classic Manhattan that’s crafted with rye whiskey, amaro (preferably Averna) and two different bitters.
The Black Manhattan was invented in San Francisco.
Rye Whiskey, Amaro (preferably Averna), Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters, a Maraschino Cherry and Ice Cubes for mixing
The Black Manhattan cocktail is stirred, not shaken.
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