Substitute Vermouth with Amaro for a Spicy Black Manhattan Twist

Once you’ve mastered a few classic cocktails at home, feel free to tweak them to match your personal preferences. If you need official approval, you’ve got it! Numerous modern variations on classic cocktails have emerged, especially in the 2000s, so you’ll be following in the footsteps of many seasoned bartenders.

A Modern Twist on a Classic

Consider the Black Manhattan, a modern take on the traditional Manhattan, crafted in 2005 by Todd Smith from San Francisco’s Bourbon & Branch. It involves a straightforward swap where Averna, a bittersweet amaro, replaces the classic sweet vermouth. With an added dash of orange bitters, you get a drink that’s both new and somewhat familiar.

What “Makes” a Black Manhattan? Amaro!

The classic Manhattan is already a solid cocktail, but incorporating amaro adds a fresh perspective.

Averna’s secret recipe is a unique blend of herbs, roots, spices, citrus, and other elements for a complex bitter, sweet, and spicy profile. Wondering about the difference between vermouth and amaro? Briefly, sweet vermouth is a fortified and aromatized wine with a bitter agent, while amaro is a liqueur (based on spirits or wine) infused with herbs and spices.

The word amaro means “bitter” in Italian.

Experiment With Amaro!

Don’t let the absence of a specific amaro limit you. While Averna is recommended here, there are many other amari to explore. Personally, I favor Amaro Lucano, which offers a flavor similar to Averna but with less of a “cola” taste.

If you’re already familiar with various amari and want to try something more complex or intriguing, give Fernet Branca a shot. Its distinctly bitter and minty profile complements rye whiskey beautifully and offers a unique twist here.

Rye Is a Classic Choice for a Manhattan Cocktail

Don’t forget about the flavors of the element you’re pairing with the amaro—rye. Rye is the classic base for a Manhattan, and it’s perfect for the Black Manhattan too. Rye whiskey has its own spicy flavor and is drier than bourbon, enhancing rather than competing with amaro’s spiciness. I recommend Old Overholt, a lightly spiced, smooth, and budget-friendly rye, suitable for both this cocktail and the traditional Manhattan.

How To Serve a Black Manhattan

A Black Manhattan is served similarly to the original cocktail, usually “up” in a coupe glass. I suggest garnishing it with an orange peel to complement the amaro’s citrus and the orange bitters.

Make These Classic Cocktails!