The Black Manhattan is a sophisticated and slightly mysterious variation of the traditional Manhattan cocktail. Introduced in 2005 by bartender Todd Smith at Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco, this modern classic swaps out sweet vermouth for Averna, an Italian amaro, resulting in a darker, more complex flavor profile.
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| The Black Manhattan: A Bold Twist on a Classic Cocktail |
What is a Black Manhattan?
The Black Manhattan retains the elegance of the classic Manhattan but adds a deeper, herbal bitterness with a hint of sweetness. While a traditional Manhattan relies on the smoothness of sweet vermouth, Black Manhattan’s use of Averna gives it a more layered, slightly bitter, and earthy character. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy cocktails with a rich depth of flavor.
What's the difference between a Manhattan and a Black Manhattan?
A Manhattan is traditionally made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, resulting in a smooth and slightly sweet cocktail. A Black Manhattan, on the other hand, replaces the sweet vermouth with Averna amaro, giving it a deeper, more complex, and slightly bitter flavor with herbal and caramel notes. This substitution creates a bolder and more layered drinking experience compared to the classic Manhattan.
What Amaro is best for Black Manhattan?
The best amaro for a Black Manhattan is Averna, as it provides a balanced mix of herbal, citrus, and caramelized notes that complement the rye whiskey. However, other amaros like Amaro Nonino (for a lighter, spicier touch) or Amaro Montenegro (for a sweeter, floral profile) can also work well, depending on your taste preference.
Is a Black Manhattan sweet?
A black Manhattan has a balanced flavor with a slight sweetness, but it is more complex and bitter than a traditional Manhattan. The Averna amaro adds herbal, caramel, and citrus notes, creating a rich and slightly sweet profile with a deeper, earthy bitterness.
What whiskey is good for Black Manhattan?
Rye whiskey is ideal for a Black Manhattan due to its spicy and robust character, which balances well with the herbal and bittersweet notes of Averna. Popular choices include Rittenhouse Rye, WhistlePig Rye, and Bulleit Rye. For a slightly sweeter and smoother version, Bourbon like Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve** can also be used.
Is Manhattan a strong drink?
Yes, a Manhattan is a strong drink as it is primarily made of whiskey with a small amount of sweet vermouth and bitters. With no mixers to dilute it, the alcohol content remains high, making it a bold and potent cocktail, typically around 30–35% ABV, depending on the whiskey used.
That Black Manhattan is haram
Yes, a Black Manhattan is considered haram in Islam because it contains alcohol, which is prohibited in Islamic teachings. Since both whiskey and Averna amaro are alcoholic ingredients, consuming this cocktail would not be permissible for those following Islamic dietary laws.
Flavor Profile
The Black Manhattan is bolder than the classic version, thanks to Averna’s herbal, citrus, and caramelized notes. The rye whiskey provides spice and warmth, while the bitters enhance the complexity of the drink. The result is a smooth, slightly bitter, and well-balanced cocktail that is perfect for sipping.
Best Occasions for a Black Manhattan
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| The Black Manhattan: A Bold Twist on a Classic Cocktail |
This drink is ideal for:
Fall and winter evenings – its deep flavors complement cooler weather.
Cocktail enthusiasts – those who enjoy a Manhattan but want a modern twist.
Dinner parties – an elegant and impressive drink for guests.
Nightcaps – a soothing way to end the evening.
Variations to Try
Black Walnut Manhattan – Add a few dashes of black walnut bitters for a nutty depth.
Coffee Manhattan – Swap out Averna for a coffee amaro to enhance its richness.
Smoky Black Manhattan – Use a smoky scotch or mezcal in place of rye for a unique twist.
Ingredients:
- To craft the perfect Black Manhattan, you’ll need:
- 2 oz. rye whiskey (or bourbon for a slightly sweeter version)
- 1 oz. Averna amaro
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 dash of orange bitters
- Luxardo cherry or orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Add the rye bourbon, Averna, Angostura sharp flavoring, and orange sharp flavoring..
Stir well for about 30 seconds until chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe or rock glass.
Decorate with a Luxardo cherry or an orange bend.
Note: The Black Manhattan is not good for health and, moreover, religion in general forbids it to everyone.