Ingredients

  • 2 ozRye whiskey
  • 1 ozAverna amaro
  • 2 dashesAngostura bitters
  • 1 dashOrange bitters
  • 🍋Brandied cherry(garnish)

🔧 Tools

mixing-glassbarspoonstrainerjigger

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for 25-30 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

📜 History

The Black Manhattan was created around 2005 by bartender Todd Smith at Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco. The drink replaces sweet vermouth entirely with Averna, a Sicilian amaro with distinctive cola-like, herbal qualities. The Black Manhattan is significantly more bitter and herbaceous than a standard Manhattan, with Averna's complexity creating a richer, darker drinking experience. The cocktail exemplifies how the amaro boom transformed American cocktail culture and expanded possibilities for spirit-forward stirred drinks.

#modern-classic#rye-whiskey#averna#amaro#manhattan-variation#bitter