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Black Manhattan

A sophisticated twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail that swaps sweet vermouth for dark amaro, creating a drier, richer, and more complex drink with deep herbal and bittersweet notes.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1 ounce Amaro Averna or similar amaro
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters optional but recommended
  • Large ice cubes
  • Orange twist for garnish
  • Cherry for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail mixing glass or any tall glass
  • Bar spoon or long stirring spoon
  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • Strainer (preferably a Hawthorne strainer)
  • Coupe glass or martini glass
  • Citrus peeler or channel knife

Method
 

  1. Fill your coupe glass with ice and cold water, letting it sit while you prepare the drink to chill the glass properly.
  2. Add large ice cubes to your mixing glass until it's about three-quarters full.
  3. Using a jigger, measure 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey and pour it into the ice-filled mixing glass.
  4. Measure 1 ounce of Amaro Averna and add it to the mixing glass.
  5. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 dash of orange bitters to the mixing glass.
  6. Using your bar spoon, stir the mixture for about 30 seconds with a smooth, consistent motion around the glass to properly chill and dilute the drink.
  7. Dump the ice water from your chilled coupe glass and set it on the bar.
  8. Using your strainer, pour the stirred mixture from the mixing glass into your prepared coupe glass, leaving the ice behind.
  9. Using a citrus peeler, cut a thin strip of orange peel over the drink to express the oils, then place it in the glass or drop it in. Optionally add a cherry for garnish.

Notes

The difference between a mediocre and exceptional Black Manhattan comes down to stirring time and ice quality. Use high-quality whiskey that you enjoy drinking straight, and don't rush the stirring step. Stir for a full 30 seconds minimum to properly chill and dilute the drink. For best results, keep your glassware in the freezer before making the drink. Express your orange twist over the drink to release the oils for added aroma and flavor.