Calories:210
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:8g
Alcohol:25%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Black Manhattan is a modern twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, which originated in the late 19th century at the Manhattan Club in New York City. The Black Manhattan replaces the traditional sweet vermouth with Averna, an Italian amaro, giving it a darker, more complex flavor profile. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a well-balanced, bittersweet drink with a hint of herbal complexity.
The Black Manhattan has a rich, bittersweet taste with a smooth, velvety texture. The combination of rye whiskey and Averna amaro creates a complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, chocolate, and herbs. The addition of bitters adds depth and a slight spiciness to the drink.
Rye whiskey brings a spicy and fruity flavor, giving the cocktail its backbone. Too little and you might as well call it a tipsy cherry juice, but too much and you're inviting the spirit to a solo performance where it wasn't supposed to be a monologue.
Averna adds a sweet yet bitter herbal quality, creating a rich complexity. It's like the bass player in a band—often overlooked but miss it, and the whole rhythm's off. If you switch it for another amaro, you might find yourself with a completely different genre of drink.
A couple of dashes are like the spice in your grandma’s secret recipe—it rounds everything out. Forget them, and the drink loses its harmonic zing. Switch it up with other bitters, and you'll be adding a different character to the melody—exciting, but a new song altogether.
This little gem doesn't just sit pretty on the rim; it adds a hint of sweetness and a touch of class. Remove it, and the drink loses its finale, that sweet little note that lingers after the curtain call.
Rye whiskey and Averna amaro carry bold flavors that stand up well to fatty and rich foods. A Black Manhattan can be paired with strong cheeses such as Stilton or Aged Cheddar and some spicy charcuterie like chorizo or soppressata.
The bitter and sweet notes of the cocktail will complement dark chocolate desserts beautifully. Try it with a chocolate lava cake or espresso brownies for a decadent experience.
The smokiness of BBQ dishes like pulled pork or brisket would be elevated by the spicy and herbal notes of the cocktail, making for a robust and satisfying pairing.
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Swap out the rye whiskey for a smoked whiskey to add a campfire twist. Stir it up with Averna, chocolate bitters instead of Angostura, and garnish with a smoked cherrywood cherry. This version takes you on a woodland escape, where each sip is like a cozy fireside chat.
Introduce 0.5 oz of maple syrup to the original mix. This sweet twist will provide a comforting, autumnal note that's like wrapping your taste buds in a warm, woolen scarf. Perfect for those brisk evenings when you want sophistication with a touch of homely sweetness.
Add a sprig of rosemary and a lemon zest to the original ingredients. Muddle them gently in the mixing glass before adding the rest. This herby twist will lend a refreshing and aromatic lift to the cocktail, almost like a little herb garden you can sip from with every stir.
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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A traditional Manhattan cocktail is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. The Black Manhattan follows the same structural pattern but switches out the sweet vermouth for Averna amaro, a dark and bitter Italian liqueur.
A Black Manhattan is typically served in a chilled coupe glass, which helps keep the drink cold and enhances its flavors.
While a brandied cherry is standard, some people enjoy garnishing their Black Manhattan with a twist of orange peel for a hit of bright, citrusy aroma.
Yes, the Black Manhattan is suitable for vegans as it does not contain any animal products.
Rye whiskey is made from grain, which contains gluten. However, distillation usually removes most gluten proteins. If you're gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, it's best to drink only spirits labeled as gluten-free.
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The Blackberry-Thyme French 75 is a delightfully balanced cocktail. The sweet, tart flavor of blackberries is complemented by the earthy, aromatic thyme. The gin adds a juniper-forward botanical flavor, and the champagne gives it a bubbly, crisp finish.
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The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
