Black Manhattan
Whiskey · Coupe
Todd Smith's 2005 San Francisco take on the classic — rye plus Averna instead of vermouth, shifting the drink into darker, bittersweet territory.
| Glass | Coupe |
| Garnish | None |
| ABV | 30% |
| Category | modern |
| Flavor | bitter, complex, modern, spirit-forward |
Ingredients
- Rye Whiskey2 oz
- Averna1 oz
- Angostura Bitters1 dash
- Orange Bitters1 dash
- Brandied Cherry1 piece
Method
- Add rye, Averna, and both bitters to mixing glass with ice
- Stir until very cold
- Strain into chilled coupe
- Garnish with brandied cherry
Pro Tips
- Amaro replaces the sweet vermouth — Averna or Nonino both work.
- Still stir and strain like a regular Manhattan; the amaro doesn't change the prep.
- A 2010s cocktail-renaissance favorite — now a modern classic.