Black Manhattan Recipe

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

The mysterious-looking, bittersweet Black Manhattan is both dark and delicious.

Batman, a.k.a. billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne, doesn’t drink. And it makes sense. It’s probably hard enough jumping from rooftop to rooftop, swinging from grappling hooks, throwing batarangs with deadly precision and regularly taking on the psychopathic likes of the Riddler, Poison Ivy, and, of course, the Joker, without your mental faculties being compromised by booze. If the Caped Crusader sat back with a bottle of bubbly or Japanese whiskey after a hard night in Gotham City, it would definitely be well deserved, but probably wouldn’t be a great idea. Imagine Batman flying the Batwing with a hangover.

But I’m sure that if the Dark Knight did have a cocktail of choice, it would probably be the Black Manhattan… or in Bat’s case, it might be called a Black Gotham. Dark in color and sweet with a bitter bite, one could almost imagine the glass this cocktail is served in wearing the famous cape and cowl.

Created during the classic cocktail revival of the early 21st century, the Black Manhattan is the brainchild of San Francisco mixologist Todd Smith. Around 2005 at his bar Bourbon & Branch, Smith came up with his concoction by swapping the traditional sweet vermouth usually associated with Manhattans with an amaro, specifically Averna.

A dark brown Italian liqueur, Averna’s origins go as far back as 1868. Created by Salvatore Averna on the island of Sicily, it is herbaceous, thick, bitter, sweet, and with notes of caramel. Usually served neat or on the rocks after a meal as a digestif, Averna found an unusual home in the Black Manhattan cocktail. Not only does it lend itself to its dark color, but it gives the drink a sweeter flavor as the whiskey takes a back seat to the amaro. One isn’t overpowered by the other, but the Averna cuts through nicely.

What is Amaro?

If you’ve ever enjoyed a drink made with Campari, Aperol or Averna, then you’ve experienced the joy of amaro. An Italian liqueur, amaro is usually bittersweet and infused with herbs, flowers, citrus, and other spices. Many recipes are a closely guarded secret. Meletti and Ramazzotti, two amari (that’s plural for amaro), are made using the kola nut, also an important ingredient in soft drinks such as Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper.

What is the Best Whiskey to Use in a Black Manhattan?

A traditional or classic Manhattan is usually made with a rye. When making a Black Manhattan, this is the spirit I recommend going with. Rye is usually spicier and more robust in its flavors than whiskies distilled from other grains or mash, so your cocktail will have distinct notes of clove and black pepper.

What kind of glassware and garnish should be used for a Black Manhattan?

Chill a sleek and suave coupe glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes before pouring your cocktail. Garnish with a brandied cherry for an extra burst of sweetness.

What is the difference between amaro and vermouth?

Being wine-based, the sweet vermouth traditionally used in Manhattans is less bitter than an amaro, which itself is syrupy in texture.

Black Manhattan Variations

If a bittersweet cocktail with a strong bite and a swift kick sounds like a good time, then the Black Manhattan is right up your alley. And if this drink hits all the right spots, then you should definitely give some of the similar recipes we have here at Twist & Toast a try. Here are a few to start with:

• Aperol Spritz – Go from black to orange with this bittersweet and bubbly treat.
• Paper Plane – Take flight to amaro heaven with this bourbon-based beverage.
• Tequila Manhattan – A spicy and thirst-quenching riff on the classic cocktail.
• Classic Manhattan – Everyone needs this legendary drink in their repertoire.