Updated on: 6/3/2025
The Black Manhattan: A Modern Classic Cocktail
The Black Manhattan has quickly become a favorite among whiskey and Amaro enthusiasts. Unlike its more famous cousin, this cocktail swaps out sweet vermouth for an Italian Amaro, creating a darker, more complex flavor profile in every sip.
Origins of the Black Manhattan
First stirred together in the early 2000s, the Black Manhattan is credited to bartender Todd Smith at San Francisco’s Bourbon & Branch. He drew inspiration from the classic Manhattan, cleverly substituting the fortified sweetness of vermouth with the herbal, bittersweet punch of Amaro.
What Is Amaro—And Why Use It in a Black Manhattan?
Amaro is a broad family of bittersweet Italian liqueurs made from herbs, roots, flowers, citrus, and spices. Ranging from mild and citrusy (like Aperol) to intensely bitter (like Fernet), each Amaro brings its own unique balance of bitterness, sweetness, and spice. In a Black Manhattan, Amaro replaces sweet vermouth, adding herbal depth, intriguing bitterness, and a slightly syrupy texture that plays beautifully against rye or bourbon whiskey.
How Amaro Transforms the Manhattan
- Intensifies the color, resulting in a deep, almost black cocktail.
- Introduces earthy, herbal, or even chocolatey undertones depending on the chosen Amaro.
- Balances the whiskey’s boldness with a gentle, complex bitterness.
- Reduces the upfront sweetness, offering a drier and more savory finish.
The Classic Black Manhattan Recipe
Opt for a spicy rye for a drier drink or a mellow bourbon for a softer profile. Averna is the most traditional Amaro for this cocktail, but there’s plenty of room to experiment.
- 45 ml rye whiskey (or bourbon)
- 30 ml Amaro Averna
- 1 ml Angostura bitters
- 1 ml orange bitters
- Garnish: dark cocktail cherry or a twist of orange peel
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add 45 ml rye whiskey, 30 ml Amaro Averna, 1 ml Angostura bitters, and 1 ml orange bitters.
- Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish with a cocktail cherry or orange twist.
How to Choose the Right Amaro
- Averna: Classic for its rich caramel, cola, and chocolate notes. Smooth and balanced.
- Montenegro: Lighter, with floral and orange peel flavors. Makes a brighter, less bitter drink.
- Cynar: Artichoke-based, with a vegetal, savory edge and pronounced bitterness.
- Fernet-Branca: For true bitter lovers—bold mint, eucalyptus, and spice dominate.
Try swapping your Amaro to match your mood or pairings: pair Averna with spicy food, Montenegro in warm weather, or go deep and savory with Cynar for late-night sipping.
Black Manhattan Variations
- Switch base whiskey: Try bourbon for softness or a high-proof rye for extra bite.
- Use different Amari: Amaro Nonino, Meletti, or Ramazzotti create distinct profiles.
- Adjust the bitters: Experiment with chocolate or mole bitters for another layer of flavor.
- Serve on a large cube: Pour into an Old Fashioned glass over a single block of clear ice for a spirit-forward style.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Black Manhattan
- Chill your glass before straining for a smoother, colder sip.
- Stir gently, not vigorously, to maintain clarity and texture.
- Fine-strain if you want ultimate silkiness.
- Taste and adjust: since Amaros vary widely in sweetness and bitterness, feel free to tweak proportions to your liking.