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Black Manhattan

The Black Manhattan transforms the classic cocktail into something darker and more mysterious with just one ingredient swap. By replacing sweet vermouth with amaro, you get a drink that is both familiar and exciting, perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party or enjoying as a sophisticated nightcap. This cocktail balances the bold spice of rye whiskey with the bitter complexity of Averna amaro, creating layers of flavor that unfold with every sip.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces rye whiskey bourbon works too, but rye is preferred
  • 1 ounce Averna amaro or another dark amaro like Ramazzotti
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice cubes for stirring
  • Orange peel for garnish lemon peel also works

Equipment

  • Mixing glass or large glass measuring cup
  • Bar spoon or long handled spoon
  • Jigger or measuring tool for spirits
  • Hawthorne strainer or fine mesh strainer
  • Coupe glass or rocks glass, chilled
  • Vegetable peeler or paring knife for garnish

Method
 

  1. Place your coupe glass or rocks glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before making the cocktail. If you forget to pre-chill, fill the glass with ice water while you prepare the drink, then dump it out right before straining.
  2. Fill your mixing glass about two-thirds full with ice cubes. Larger cubes are better because they melt more slowly.
  3. Measure and pour 2 ounces of rye whiskey over the ice. Use a jigger for accuracy.
  4. Pour 1 ounce of Averna amaro into the mixing glass with the whiskey.
  5. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters directly into the mixing glass.
  6. Insert your bar spoon and stir the mixture for 30 to 40 seconds in a smooth, circular motion. You want to stir, not shake. You should feel the outside of the mixing glass get very cold as you stir.
  7. Remove your chilled glass from the freezer or dump out the ice water. Place your strainer over the mixing glass and pour the cocktail into the chilled serving glass, leaving the ice behind.
  8. Cut a strip of orange peel about 2 inches long and an inch wide, avoiding the white pith. Hold it over the drink, colored side down, and twist it sharply to release the oils onto the surface of the cocktail. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass, then either drop it into the drink or rest it on the edge.

Notes

Always stir your Manhattan instead of shaking it. Stirring creates a silky, smooth texture and crystal-clear appearance, while shaking makes the drink cloudy and adds too much dilution. Use large ice cubes for stirring because they melt slower and give you better control over dilution. Stir for the full 30 to 40 seconds even if it feels too long. Express the orange peel oils over the drink rather than just dropping it in.