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Black Manhattan Cocktail Drink

Black Manhattan Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Savor the sophistication with this Black Manhattan recipe! Blending rye whiskey, Averna Amaro, and bitters into a polished cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 268

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Rye Whiskey
  • 1 oz Averna Amaro
  • 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon
  • Mixing Glass
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Prep glass: Make sure your cocktail glass will be chilled when needed.
  • Add Bitters: Add 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters to the mixing glass.
  • Add Averna Amaro: Measure and pour 1 oz Averna Amaro.
  • Add Rye Whiskey: Pour 2 oz Rye Whiskey into the mixing glass.
  • Add ice cubes: Ice up the mixing glass.
  • Stir: Stir the mixture for about 20-25 seconds.
  • Strain: Strain your cocktail in a chilled cocktail glass
  • Garnish: Drop a cherry into the glass as a garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rye Whiskey: I often go for bourbon if I run out of rye. It gives a slightly sweeter touch to the cocktail. For a smokier profile, try a good-quality Scotch.
  • Averna Amaro: If Averna Amaro isn't on hand, I've swapped in Ramazzotti or Montenegro. They both offer unique yet delightful variations on the drink's profile.
  • Angostura Bitters: Orange bitters can be an alternative, adding a citrusy twist to the mix.

Making a Pitcher of Black Manhattan:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, you'll need 16 oz of rye whiskey, 8 oz of Averna Amaro, and 16 dashes of Angostura Bitters.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the whiskey, Amaro, and bitters. Mix them well with ice.
  • Serve: Distribute the mixture among chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with a cherry, and serve up.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rye Whiskey Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. Many brands now offer these, and they're crafted to resemble whiskey's flavor profile.
  • Averna Amaro Substitute: Create a herbal tea blend with a hint of sweetness. Combine strong brewed tea (like black or rooibos) with a splash of maple syrup.
  • Proceed As Usual: With these non-alcoholic replacements, follow the main steps and enjoy a spirit-free Black Manhattan.

Making it Vegan:

  • Cherry Garnish: Ensure the cherry used for garnish is not soaked in non-vegan ingredients. Some maraschino cherries, for instance, may contain non-vegan colorings or preservatives. Look for organic or explicitly vegan-labeled cherries.