This isn’t your ordinary Manhattan — it’s bolder, darker, and smoother. The Black Manhattan swaps sweet vermouth for amaro, adding layers of earthy spice and caramel warmth that make each sip a slow, luxurious experience.
Equipment
To prepare this classic-meets-modern cocktail, you’ll need:
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Mixing glass: For stirring ingredients together.
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Bar spoon: To mix smoothly without diluting too much.
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Jigger: For precise measurements.
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Strainer: To pour cleanly into the glass.
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Rocks glass or coupe glass: Depending on your serving style.
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Ice cubes or large ice sphere: To chill and serve.
Ingredients
Every element of the Black Manhattan contributes to its depth and harmony:
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2 oz rye whiskey — Spicy and dry, providing structure.
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1 oz Amaro Averna — Adds richness with herbal, caramel, and chocolate notes.
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1–2 dashes Angostura bitters — Classic spice and warmth.
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1–2 dashes orange bitters — Brightens and balances the dark flavors.
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Garnish: Luxardo cherry or orange twist.
Instructions
Follow these steps to craft the perfect Black Manhattan:
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Fill a mixing glass with ice.
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Add rye whiskey, Amaro Averna, and both bitters.
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Stir well for about 20–30 seconds until chilled.
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Strain into a chilled coupe glass (or serve over a large ice cube in a rocks glass).
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Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or orange twist for a touch of aroma and style.
Tasting Notes
The Black Manhattan is smooth, aromatic, and luxuriously deep — a cocktail that invites slow sipping and appreciation.
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Aroma: Herbal and citrusy with sweet spice notes.
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Color: Deep mahogany, almost black.
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Taste: Balanced bitterness with hints of caramel, oak, and orange.
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Mouthfeel: Silky, full-bodied, and warming.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy the Black Manhattan, explore these other sophisticated classics:
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Classic Manhattan: Rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, the original inspiration.
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Boulevardier: Bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth — bold and bitter-sweet.
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Negroni: Gin-based, with similar bitter and herbal notes.
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Old Fashioned: A simpler, spirit-forward whiskey cocktail.
History
The Black Manhattan was first crafted in the early 2000s by Todd Smith at Bourbon & Branch, a cocktail bar in San Francisco.
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It was born from a desire to modernize the Manhattan using Amaro Averna instead of vermouth.
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The result: a deeper, darker, and more sophisticated version that has since become a modern classic.
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Its rich, bittersweet complexity makes it a favorite among bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts alike.
Quick Pro Tips
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Chill your glassware: Keeps the cocktail smooth and cool.
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Use high-quality Amaro: Averna is ideal, but you can try Ramazzotti or Montenegro for variation.
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Large ice cube: Melts slower, preserving the drink’s integrity.
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Stir, don’t shake: Keeps clarity and texture perfect.
When to Serve
The Black Manhattan fits best in elegant or cozy settings where conversation and savoring take center stage.
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Evening dinners: A sophisticated pre- or post-meal drink.
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Autumn or winter nights: Warm, comforting flavors suit cooler weather.
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Cocktail parties: A dark and stylish showpiece.
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Celebrations: Ideal for refined toasts.
