Black Manhattan
This Black Manhattan is a modern twist on the classic Manhattan, made with rye whiskey, Averna amaro, and bitters for a rich, bittersweet, herbal cocktail that’s perfect as an evening sipper or after-dinner drink.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey preferably 90–100 proof; e.g., Rittenhouse, Bulleit Rye, Old Overholt Bonded, or Wild Turkey Rye
- 1 ounce Averna amaro
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters optional but recommended
- Ice plenty of fresh, solid ice
- 1 brandied cherry or Luxardo cherry for garnish
- orange peel thin strip, optional garnish
Instructions
- Place your cocktail glass (coupe, Nick & Nora, or small rocks glass) in the freezer for 5–10 minutes, or fill it with ice and water to chill while you mix the drink.
- In a mixing glass or sturdy pint glass, add the rye whiskey, Averna amaro, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters. Aim for the classic 2:1 ratio of whiskey to amaro for balance.2 ounces rye whiskey, 1 ounce Averna amaro, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 1 dash orange bitters
- Fill the mixing glass at least three-quarters full with fresh ice cubes to chill and properly dilute the cocktail.Ice
- Stir smoothly with a bar spoon (or long spoon) for 25–30 seconds, until the outside of the mixing glass feels very cold. Stirring keeps the drink clear and silky.
- Discard any ice and water from the chilled serving glass. Place a brandied or Luxardo cherry in the bottom of the glass or on a cocktail pick. If using orange peel, cut a thin strip, avoiding too much white pith.1 brandied cherry or Luxardo cherry, orange peel
- Using a Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer, strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared glass. The drink should appear deep amber-brown, almost black in low light.
- Hold the orange peel over the drink, skin side facing down, and gently twist to express the oils over the surface. Lightly rub the peel around the rim, then drop it into the glass or rest it on the edge.orange peel
- Serve immediately and sip slowly, enjoying the layers of rye spice, bittersweet Averna, warm spice from the bitters, and subtle citrus.
Notes
Variations: For a Bourbon Black Manhattan, swap the rye for a high-rye bourbon for a slightly sweeter, rounder drink. For an Extra-Bitter version, add an extra dash or two of bitters. For a Smoky Black Manhattan, replace 1/2 ounce of the rye with a smoky Scotch. For a Coffee Black Manhattan, add 1/4 ounce of cold brew or coffee liqueur. For an easy batched version, mix 2 parts rye, 1 part Averna, plus bitters, and optionally add 20–25% cold water by volume and store in the freezer in a sealed bottle for a ready-to-serve cocktail.
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