Black Manhattan – A Beautiful Mess

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

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