Black Manhattan (Averna Cocktail)
The Black Manhattan cocktail is a variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail that substitutes Averna, an Italian amaro, for sweet vermouth. It’s my second favorite cocktail of all time behind a dry martini because this Manhattan is slightly bittersweet and herbal and I think has a hint of chocolate.
So read on for all the detailed tips and tricks for making this Black Manhattan recipe your own. Or just grab your Averna bottle, hit that purple Jump to Recipe button, and let’s make this Averna cocktail!
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Ingredients
The Black Manhattan uses a two to one ratio just like the classic Manhattan cocktail. It was first created about 20 years ago using rye whiskey, Averna, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters.
You can play with the base and use bourbon instead of rye, and it’s still a Black Manhattan. I typically use chocolate and orange bitters instead of Angostura. Or take a lesson from my perfect Brandy Manhattan and dry Peanut Butter Manhattan and really play around until you find your signature Manhattan cocktail!
Please see the recipe card below for complete information on ingredients and quantities.
About Averna and other amari
Amari (the plural of amaro) are bittersweet Italian herbal liqueurs traditionally sipped after dinner (i.e. aperitifs). Averna is nowhere as bitter as Campari, the red liqueur in a Negroni like my cranberry Negroni and Negroni spritz, but I encourage you to play around with other amari too!
Recipe tips and tricks
There’s no trick to making a Black Manhattan. Add your whiskey, Averna, and bitters to a shaker or large cup filled with ice and stir until chilled. The goal of stirring is to dilute your cocktail about 20 to 25 percent while it chills.
Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass, and garnish with a Luxardo cherry or orange twist. This is traditional, but I won’t give you the side-eye if you want your Black Manhattan on the rocks. I promise.
Tip from the wise quacker: The general teaching is that cocktails with citrus juices should be shaken, but cocktails with only alcohols should be stirred.
Recipe FAQs
The other Averna cocktail I’ve tried is the Averna sour. But if I’m not making a Black Manhattan, I’m usually just sipping Averna on the rocks!
Yes! This is great for a freezer door Manhattan! Because you’ll want to add the dilution in advance, use a ratio of 6 to 3 to 2 of whiskey to Averna to water. And be pretty liberal with your bitters – most home cocktail makers are stingy with a dash!
Related cocktail recipes
Check out other cocktail recipes from the archives with just a hint of bitterness, like:
Love cocktails and want to explore more? Read all about classic cocktails and bartender basics, check out my list of essential bar tools for cocktails at home, and join this year’s 52 weeks of cocktails challenge!
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Recipe
Black Manhattan Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon, if preferred
- 1 ounce Averna
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters or chocolate bitters, if preferred
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Garnish: Cocktail cherry or orange peel
Instructions
- Add the whiskey, Averna, and bitters to a shaker or tall glass filled with ice, and stir until chilled, about 30 seconds.2 ounces rye whiskey, 1 ounce Averna, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 2 dashes orange bitters
- Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass, and garnish with a cocktail cherry or orange twist.Garnish: Cocktail cherry or orange peel
Notes
Nutrition
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