The Black Manhattan is a spicier, herbal version of the classic Manhattan. This version was created by bartender Todd Smith at Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco in 2005. If you like Manhattans, this modern twist is worth a try!
You may be wondering what the difference is between a classic Manhattan cocktail and a Black Manhattan. The main difference between the Black Manhattan and the original recipe is that the Averna (a sweet-bitter Italian amaro) is replaced with the traditional sweet vermouth. Another difference is the addition of orange bitters to the classic recipe.
Classic Cocktails: Old Fashioned, Gimlet, Sidecar, Cosmopolitan, Negroni, Boulevardier.
Ingredients for a Black Manhattan Cocktail
- rye – It’s exactly the same as the original recipe.
- Averna Amaro – Italian herbal liqueur with notes of mint, lemon, orange, herbs and caramel. This ingredient creates a spicier and heavier cocktail.
- Angostura bitters – Use a drop of Angostura bitters. The bitters add a lot of complexity to this drink.
- Orange Bitter – Like Reagan’s. A drop of orange bitters is the second distinguishing feature of this variant.
- Luxardo Cherry – For decoration. You can use maraschino cherries or brandy cherries.
The best glass to serve a Black Manhattan in is a chilled glass. Coupe glass.
guideline
Pour the rye whiskey and Averna Amaro into a mixing glass filled with ice. Then add a drop each of Angostura bitters and orange bitters.
Stir until completely cooled (usually about 10 to 15 seconds).
Pour into a coupe glass.
Garnish with cherries.
Tips for making
- For the most professional presentation, use a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish this recipe with orange peel for added orange bitters and citrus flavor.
- If you want to add sweetness to the recipe, replace the rye whiskey with bourbon whiskey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Manhattan and Black Manhattan?
The main difference is that Averna (a sweet bitters amaro) is replaced with traditional sweet vermouth. Another difference is the addition of orange bitters to the classic recipe.
What’s in Black Manhattan?
Black Manhattan ingredients are rye whiskey, Avernamaro, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters.
When was Black Manhattan invented?
This variation was created by bartender Todd Smith at Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco in 2005—a fairly recent development, considering the classic Manhattan was invented at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the 1870s.
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Learn how to make a Black Manhattan cocktail at home.
guideline
-
Pour the rye whiskey and Averna Amaro into a mixing glass filled with ice. Then add a drop each of Angostura bitters and orange bitters.
-
Stir until completely cooled (usually about 10 to 15 seconds).
-
Pour into a coupe glass.
-
Garnish with cherries.
Note
- For the most professional presentation, use a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish this recipe with orange peel for added orange bitters and citrus flavor.
- If you want to add sweetness to the recipe, replace the rye whiskey with bourbon whiskey.
nutrition
Nutritional Information
Black Manhattan
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Intake is based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
NOTE: Nutrition is automatically calculated using Spoonacular for your convenience. We recommend using your own nutrition calculations, if applicable.
