Black Manhattan Recipe

Rich, sophisticated, and layered, the Black Manhattan reinvents the classic with bittersweet amaro replacing sweet vermouth. This cocktail offers a perfect blend of warmth and herbal complexity, making it ideal for intimate evenings or stylish gatherings.

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Course: Aperitif, Cocktail, Drinks

Cuisine: American, Modern Classic

Keyword: amaro cocktail, black manhattan recipe, modern classic cocktail, rye whiskey drink, whiskey cocktail recipe

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 0

Infusion Rest (optional): 5

Total Time: 10

Servings: cocktail

Calories: 180kcal

Cost: $3

Equipment

1 Mixing glass For stirring the cocktail
1 Bar spoon Used for precise stirring
1 Strainer To strain the drink into the glass
1 Jigger To measure the liquor accurately
1 Chilled coupe glass To serve the cocktail 'up'

Ingredients

▢ 2 oz rye whiskey Use high-quality rye
▢ 1 oz Averna amaro Or similar dark amaro
▢ 2 dashes dashes Angostura bitters Classic aromatic bitters
▢ 1 dashe dash orange bitters Optional, adds brightness
▢ Ice for stirring
▢ 1 Garnish: brandied cherry or orange peel For stirring the drink

Instructions

Chill Your Glass

Stick cocktail coupe in freezer for 10 minutes or fill with ice water while you make the drink. Warm glasses make everything taste flat and disappointing.

Build in Mixing Glass

Stick cocktail coupe in freezer for 10 minutes or fill with ice water while you make the drink. Warm glasses make everything taste flat and disappointing.

Stir Like You Mean It

Stir for about 30 seconds until the outside of the glass feels cold. Not crazy aggressive like you're making scrambled eggs, just steady circles. Should look smooth and slightly diluted.

Strain and Garnish

Strain into chilled glass and drop in cherry. If you're feeling fancy, express orange peel oils over the top before dropping it in. Should taste rich and complex with bitter herbal notes balancing the whiskey warmth.

Notes

Use a large ice cube to chill without diluting. Don’t over-stir 30 seconds is perfect. Fresh cherry and orange peel add great aroma. Swap amaros if needed but keep whiskey-to-amaro balance. Sip slowly to enjoy all the flavors.

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