In the world of cocktail recipes, the Black Manhattan Cocktail stands as a sophisticated beverage, offering a rich and complex flavor profile that captivates the palate.
The Black Manhattan is a contemporary twist on the classic Manhattan, renowned for its blend of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. The key differentiator in the Black Manhattan is the substitution of traditional sweet vermouth with the nuanced and herbal notes of Averna, an Italian amaro. This substitution not only deepens the flavor but also imparts a captivating dark hue to the cocktail.
The Manhattan, a stalwart in the cocktail canon, traces its roots back to the late 19th century. First mixed in 2005 by Todd Smith, a skilled mixologist at San Francisco’s Bourbon & Branch, the Black Manhattan stands as a modern classic among cocktails. Served in a stylish coupe glass and adorned with a succulent cherry, this variation of the iconic Manhattan has earned its place as a contemporary masterpiece.
Legend also has it that the cocktail was first made at the Manhattan Club in New York City, where it quickly gained popularity among the city’s elite.
Black Manhattan Ingredients
- Rye Whiskey (60 ml / 2 ounces): The backbone of the Black Manhattan, rye whiskey brings a robust and spicy character..
- Averna Amaro (30 ml / 1 ounce): Averna, a Sicilian amaro, contributes herbal, citrus, and caramel notes.
- Angostura Bitters (2 dashes): The classic cocktail bitters, Angostura, enhances the aromatic complexity and ties the flavors together.
- Brandied Cherry (for garnish): A brandied cherry serves as the finishing touch.
Black Manhattan Recipe
- Prepare Your Equipment: Have a mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, strainer, and a chilled coupe glass ready. You’ll need rye whiskey, Averna amaro, Angostura bitters, and a brandied cherry.
- Chill the Glass: Either put your coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill as you mix your drink.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Pour 60 ml (2 ounces) of rye whiskey into the mixing glass.
- Add 30 ml (1 ounce) of Averna amaro.
- Include 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Stir Well: Stir the mixture smoothly with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds to mix flavors and chill the drink.
- Serve: Remove any ice from your coupe glass and strain the cocktail into it.
- Garnish: Add a brandied cherry on a pick as a garnish, enhancing the drink’s presentation and flavor. Enjoy your Black Manhattan.
Check out some other types of Manhattan cocktails.
The Black Manhattan: The Cherry On Top
The Black Manhattan emerged in 2005 at Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco, crafted by bartender Todd Smith.
A twist on the traditional Manhattan, it swaps sweet vermouth for bittersweet Averna amaro and introduces another type of bitters. This alteration produces a richer and mildly bitter version, enhanced by the herbal and caramel undertones of the amaro.
Here’s to the Manhattan, a whiskey cocktail with depths and an Angosturra Bitters infusion!
