Black Manhattan — Modern Manhattan variation with Averna amaro replacing vermouth

Black Manhattan

Modern Manhattan variation with Averna amaro replacing vermouth

Number of people

Ingredients

  • 2 dashesAngostura Aromatic Bitters
    Classic aromatic bitters
    Substitute: Chocolate bitters for variation
  • 1 ozAverna
    Sicilian amaro
    Substitute: Montenegro as alternative amaro
  • 2 ozRye Whiskey
    American rye whiskey
    Substitute: Bourbon acceptable

Instructions

  1. Add 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz Averna amaro, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters to mixing glass
  2. Fill with ice and stir until well chilled
  3. Strain into chilled coupe glass

    Pre-chill glass

  4. Garnish with brandied cherry

Technique Notes

Averna is sweeter than vermouth, so stir a little longer. The extra dilution is what keeps this from reading syrupy.

Why the Black Manhattan Works

Averna's caramel and orange-peel bitterness replaces sweet vermouth's red-fruit, deepening the Manhattan into something darker and longer on the finish. Rye's spice has more to lean into here; Angostura's clove sits inside Averna's herbal register like an echo.

Discover more

Explore modern cocktails

Featured Bitters

Recipes with Angostura Aromatic Bitters or Averna

Featured Recipe Collections