Black Manhattan

Instructions

1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.

2. Combine the whiskey, Amaro Averna, and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass (or shaker base).

3. Fill the mixing glass generously with ice cubes.

4. Stir the mixture gently but firmly for about 30 seconds, ensuring it's well-chilled but not overly diluted.

5. Discard the ice from your chilled coupe glass.

6. Using a strainer, pour the chilled liquid from the mixing glass into the prepared coupe glass.

7. Garnish with a high-quality maraschino cherry (ingredient ID 6772ccf7dfe6507eb5286901).

8. Optional: Express the oils from an orange peel (ingredient ID 67e5c26cfc24f8ac8fa1b84e) over the surface of the drink by twisting it, then either drop it in or discard.

Trivia

• What is a Black Manhattan cocktail?

  A Black Manhattan is a variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail. It substitutes the traditional sweet vermouth with an Italian herbal liqueur called Amaro, specifically Amaro Averna in the most common recipe. This results in a darker, more complex, and slightly more bitter flavour profile compared to the original.

• How does a Black Manhattan differ from a regular Manhattan?

  The primary difference lies in the modifying liqueur. A classic Manhattan uses sweet vermouth, offering notes of vanilla, caramel, and subtle spice. A Black Manhattan uses Amaro Averna, which brings complex herbal, caramel, citrus, and licorice notes with a distinct bitter finish. This swap significantly alters the drink's character, making it richer and bolder.

• What does a Black Manhattan taste like?

  A Black Manhattan is spirit-forward and robust. You'll taste the underlying spice and warmth of the rye whiskey (or sweetness if using bourbon), layered with the complex bittersweetness of Amaro Averna – expect notes of herbs, caramel, orange peel, licorice, and cola. The Angostura bitters add aromatic depth and tie the flavours together. It's less sweet and more bitter and herbal than a standard Manhattan.

• What type of whiskey is best for a Black Manhattan?

  Rye whiskey is traditionally preferred for its spicy character, which complements the herbal notes of the Amaro Averna beautifully. However, a good quality Bourbon also works well, lending a slightly sweeter and smoother profile with vanilla and caramel notes that contrast nicely with the Amaro's bitterness. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference.

• What is Amaro Averna?

  Amaro Averna is a popular Italian digestif liqueur (Amaro means 'bitter' in Italian). Originating from Sicily, it's made from a secret infusion of herbs, roots, and citrus rinds. It has a distinct bittersweet taste with prominent notes of caramel, orange, licorice, and Mediterranean herbs. Its viscosity and complexity make it an excellent substitute for sweet vermouth in cocktails like the Black Manhattan.

• Can I substitute Amaro Averna in a Black Manhattan?

  Yes, while Amaro Averna is the standard choice, you can experiment with other Amaros to create variations of the Black Manhattan. Amaros like Cynar (artichoke-based, more vegetal), Ramazzotti (gentian, orange peel, star anise), or Montenegro (sweeter, floral, vanilla notes) will each lend a different character to the drink. Experimenting is part of the fun, but Averna provides the benchmark flavour profile.