Amaro Averna replaces sweet vermouth.
Why you are pouring this tonight
The Black Manhattan is the Manhattan with Averna replacing the sweet vermouth, which is to say a darker, more bitter, more complex drink than the original. Bourbon or rye, Averna amaro, two dashes of Angostura, two dashes of orange bitters, expressed lemon peel. Tastes like a Manhattan that has spent a year in a Sicilian kitchen.
Averna is Sicilian amaro and the right amaro for this swap. Don’t substitute Fernet (too menthol-forward) or Montenegro (too floral). Averna at any decent bottle shop, around forty dollars. Use a robust rye for the spice (Bulleit Rye or Rittenhouse). Stir for forty seconds in a mixing glass, strain into a chilled coupe, expressed lemon peel skin-down over the surface, drop the peel in. Pair with aged hard cheese, prosciutto, the start of a long Sunday lunch.
What changes from the Manhattan
Sweet vermouth out. Amaro Averna in. Angostura still, plus orange bitters.
What to pour it alongside
Dark chocolate, aged beef, espresso.
The recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Stir all with ice for 20-30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe.
- Drop in a cherry.
Nutrition
Want the classic? Our Manhattan recipe is here.
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