Black Manhattan

The Black Manhattan is a modern classic variation of the classic pre-Prohibition Manhattan that's composed of rye whiskey, Averna amaro, and bitters. The simple swap of bittersweet, herbal amaro in place of the traditional sweet vermouth transforms this iconic cocktail into an even richer, more complex and aromatic drink.

This Manhattan variation originated in 2005 at San Francisco’s innovative cocktail bar Bourbon & Branch, created by bartender Todd Smith. 

In the early and mid-2000s, the craft cocktail revival was taking place across the country. Inspired by the classic cocktails of the 19th and early 20th centuries, bartenders often used these drinks as templates to invent a new repertoire of similar but modern creations. The Whiskey Sour got an upgrade with honey syrup to become a Gold Rush, the Old Fashioned was tweaked with agave spirits for an Oaxaca Old Fashioned, and Negroni riffs proliferated, with the White Negroni emerging as its most famous modification.

The craft cocktail revival also re-introduced several spirits once popular centuries before. Amaro, a category of Italian digestifs that translates to “bittersweet,” was commonly featured as a cocktail ingredient at this time, especially alongside whiskey.

The inky-hued Averna affects the flavor of the drink and informs its dark coloring, inspiring the name Black Manhattan.

Why does the Black Manhattan work?

The Black Manhattan follows the classic’s standard 2:1 liquor-to-modifier ratio, with rye whiskey as its base. This spice-forward style of whiskey is key in providing a robust depth of flavor that can stand up to the herbal sweetness in the Averna amaro. 

Though Averna is a deep, dark brown color, the amaro is one of the most approachable in its category, making it a favorite among bartenders. Made in Caltanissetta, Sicily since 1868, the liqueur is medium-bodied, lightly bittersweet with notes of cola, citrus zest and vanilla. There's a softness present, when compared to many other amari. In the Black Manhattan, Averna helps to release the minty herbal notes found in many rye whiskeys, while lending subtle bitterness and honey sweetness. 

There are additional bitter components in the drink. The Angostura bitters adds aromatic complexity while the orange bitters allows the citrus notes in the Averna and rye whiskey to shine.