If you love a classic Manhattan, the Black Manhattan might just become your new favorite. This stylish cocktail swaps out sweet vermouth for Amaro Averna, giving the drink a more complex, slightly bitter flavor profile with deep herbal and caramel notes. It’s elegant, brooding, and undeniably smooth—perfect for slow sipping
A Modern Classic with Italian Roots
The Black Manhattan was created in the early 2000s by bartender Todd Smith at San Francisco’s Bourbon & Branch speakeasy. Inspired by the rise of Italian amari in American bars, he swapped sweet vermouth for Amaro Averna to create a darker, moodier take on the traditional Manhattan. Since then, it’s earned a rightful place on cocktail menus around the world.
Beloved in Modern Cocktail Bars
The Black Manhattan has become a staple on refined cocktail menus from New York to Milan. It’s a favorite among bartenders for its balance of bitter, sweet, and spice. It pairs especially well with rich Italian meals, charcuterie boards, or even dark chocolate desserts. You’ll often find riffs of it made with Amaro Nonino, Cynar, or even Fernet for an extra bitter edge.
When and Where to Enjoy the Black Manhattan
This cocktail shines during after-dinner conversation or at upscale cocktail hours. Serve it as a welcome drink at a dinner party or pair it with aged cheeses and olives for a late-night bite. It’s perfect for winter nights but classy enough for any season.
Ditch the vermouth and step up your cocktail game. Make your own Black Manhattan tonight and taste the bold evolution of a timeless favorite. Then check out our Negroni and Italian Gentleman recipes to complete your Italian-inspired cocktail collection!
Black Manhattan
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Jigger or measuring too
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye whiskey or bourbon (rye preferred for spice) Basil Hayden, Woodford..you pick it.
- 1 oz Amaro Averna Substitute with Amaro Montenegro or Cynar
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash Orange bitters
- Luxardo cherry or orange twist Garnish
Instructions
- Add rye whiskey, Amaro, and both bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir for 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or an expressed orange twist.
Notes
- Amaro Averna adds herbal and caramel notes that are smoother and more layered than vermouth.
- Use rye whiskey for a spicier backbone or bourbon for a sweeter profile.
- Best served in elegant glassware with minimal dilution.