The Black Manhattan
I’m rather a fan of the Manhattan and most of its many variations, and this is no exception. The Black Manhattan substitutes Amaro Averna in for the sweet vermouth, which despite its foreboding colour is actually on the sweeter and more accessible end of the amaro category. This twist is credited to a bartender named Todd Smith, who had it on the list in 2005 while working at Bourbon and Branch in San Francisco.
Ingredients
60ml (2oz) rye or bourbon
20ml (2/3oz) Averna
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
Cocktail cherry to garnish
Lemon or orange twist (optional)
Equipment
A jigger
A mixing glass
A julep strainer
A coupe glass
Method
Add all of your ingredients to a mixing glass and stir until chilled and diluted.
Use your julep strainer to hold the ice back in the mixing glass and pour into your chilled glass.
The garnish is traditionally just a cherry, but if you have a lemon or orange to hand then cut a small coin of zest and fold over the drink to expel the oils and then discard.
Enjoy!
Suggested Spirits
Averna is a very unique flavour, but feel free to try similar with any darker amaro – you may just have to adjust the proportions depending on the sweetness of what you’re using.
Most recipes call for rye but you can certainly substitute bourbon if you prefer – I’m using Knob Creek Rye which is a good go to for cocktails.
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