Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan is a modern variation on the classic that’s widely regarded to be a classic in its own right. Todd Smith (of Bourbon & Branch fame) in San Francisco, CA, put his spin on this cocktail by swapping out the sweet vermouth for amaro Averna and adding orange bitters while maintaining the delicate ratio established in the original. As previously mentioned, the flavor of amari can differ significantly from one brand to another even though they are all under the umbrella of ‘Italian herbal liqueur.’ Averna is a rather distinct amaro and I would be reluctant to replace it in this cocktail particularly. I will admit, amaro Averna is not the most ubiquitous cocktail ingredient; however, don’t write it off until you try the Flannel Shirt. Like other spirit-forward drinks, you will want to stir the Black Manhattan in a mixing glass combining the ingredients and introducing the necessary dilution before serving it “up” into a chilled cocktail coupe glass. As for the garnish, it is commonplace to use a maraschino cherry, however, my first experience of this cocktail was with a lemon peel with the oils expressed across the top. But don’t take my word for it, make one and try it yourself!
Black Manhattan
In your mixing glass, combine the Angostura bitters, orange bitters, amaro Averna, and rye whiskey.
1 dash / 0.125 tsp of Angostura Bitters
1 dash / 0.125 tsp of Orange Bitters
1 oz of Amaro Averna
2 oz of Rye Whiskey
Add ice to your mixing glass and stir until sufficiently chilled (around 25 to 30 seconds). Strain contents into your chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.
TIP(S):
Chill your cocktail coupe — to extend the life of your Black Manhattan place your cocktail coupe in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can place ice water in your cocktail coupe cocktail glass during the preparation.
