Black Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

The Black Manhattan cocktail is a riff on the classic Manhattan, swapping sweet vermouth for rich, herbal amaro. By making this simple swap, this rye whiskey cocktail becomes deeper, darker, and more complex. It’s sophisticated and smooth, making it just right for slow sipping after dinner.

about this Black Manhattan Cocktail

The modern cousin of the Manhattan, the Black Manhattan brings a bold new flavor profile to the table. Originally crafted in the early 2000s at Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco, not New York City (despite its name), this drink quickly carved out its own identity. The defining swap, Amaro in place of sweet vermouth, takes a classic and turns it richer and more herbal, with a depth that lingers.

Rye whiskey keeps the drink dry and adds some spicy flavor, while the Amaro adds complexity with its bittersweet base. The result is a cocktail that feels both familiar and fresh. It’s not overly sweet and leans into the darker side of the flavor spectrum, which is ideal for whiskey lovers who want something a little different.

The first time I had a Black Manhattan, it wasn’t even on the menu. I was at a small cocktail bar with a friend, who told the bartender, “She likes Manhattans, but maybe make it interesting.” What arrived was so much smoother than I expected. One sip and I was hooked. It had all the warmth of the original Manhattan but with a bittersweet depth that made me slow down and actually think about what I was drinking.

Now, it’s the drink I make when I want something strong but refined. Something that feels like a reward at the end of a long day. I still love a classic Manhattan, but more often than not, I’m reaching for this version instead.

ingredients

Rye whiskey. Choose a bold rye with enough spicy flavor to stand up to the Amaro. The dryness balances out the sweetness.

Amaro. This is where the drink gets its name and character. Amaro Averna is a classic choice. It’s rich, smooth, and slightly sweet with herbal undertones. Meletti brings floral notes and more sweetness, while Cynar leans bitter and earthy. Montenegro adds a lighter, citrus-forward profile. Your choice of Amaro will shift the entire mood of the cocktail.

Angostura bitters. A couple dashes of bitters amps up the spice and lends warmth.

Orange bitters. Yes a second type of bitters! We like smoked orange bitters, but you can always use regular orange bitters if that’s what you have on hand.

Brandied cherry. Good cherries matter and I will go to my grave saying that. Go for the dark, syrupy kind (like luxardo cherries) that adds a rich finishing touch.

this recipe’s must-haves 

To get the most out of your Black Manhattan cocktail, you’ll need a few essential tools. Start with a mixing glass. That’s where you will stir the drink properly without over-dilution. A solid cocktail stirring spoon makes for smooth stirring. These are the same tools you’ll use for other stirred cocktails like a Negroni or Old Fashioned.

A jigger will help measure everything accurately, especially since the balance in this drink is everything. Once it’s stirred and ready, you’ll want a cocktail strainer. And for serving, chilled coupe glasses help keep it cool and classy. Don’t have those glasses? Use a lowball glass or a chilled cocktail glass instead.

here’s how to make this Black Manhattan Drink

Assemble

Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice. Add the rye whiskey, amaro, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters.

Stir

Stir gently but thoroughly until the mixture is well chilled – about 30 seconds until the glass feels cold to the touch.

Strain

Strain into a chilled coupe glass using a cocktail strainer.

Garnish

Finish with a few brandied cherries dropped into the glass or skewered on a cocktail pick.

variations

To make a Bourbon Black Manhattan, swap the rye whiskey for bourbon. It softens the edge a bit and brings in vanilla notes.

Different Amari changes the game entirely. Use bittersweet Averna Amaro for a smooth and balanced option (our go-to), Meletti if you want a sweeter, floral note, or Cynar for something earthier and bitter. For something citrusy and light, Montenegro works well.

Want to go smoky? Use a peated Scotch instead of rye for a Smoky Black Manhattan.

For a dessert-friendly version, swap ¼ oz of Amaro for a splash of coffee liqueur for a Coffee Black Manhattan.

More Classic Cocktails to Sip: Gin Martini I Bee’s Knees I Gin Sour I Paper Plane

faqs

Can I batch this cocktail for a party?

Yes, but don’t add ice or garnish until you’re ready to serve. Chill the batched mix and stir with ice per glass.

Which Amaro should I start with?

Averna is a great entry point. It’s smooth, not too bitter, and easy to find. Montenegro is another solid beginner option.

Do I have to use rye whiskey?

Rye gives the best balance here, but bourbon works if you prefer something sweeter and softer.

can I make this drink ahead of time?

Yes! Stir together the rye whiskey, amaro, and bitters (no ice), then store the mix in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When it’s cocktail hour, simply pour and add your garnish. This way you get all the flavor without the last-minute rush.

Need more cocktail inspiration? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with a  Black Manhattan

This cocktail is bold and bittersweet, making it a natural match for salty, rich, or slightly sweet bites. Think of it as an after-dinner drink or the centerpiece of a slow-paced cocktail party.

Planning a party spread? Alongside your cocktails, add crispy prosciutto for a salty crunch, prosciutto cheese twists for a savory bite, or whip up a quick curried nut mix to round out your snack offerings.

You can also pair it with a weeknight cheese board featuring aged cheddar, salami, and parmesan crisps.

When serving with dinner, it pairs well with chile-braised short ribs, Instant Pot short rib osso buco, BBQ rack of lamb, or mushroom risotto.

Want to lean into dessert? Try it alongside triple chocolate brownies, a chocolate tart, or tiramisu parfaits. For something bolder, coffee brownies make a great match too.

how to store

You can batch this cocktail ahead. Just don’t add ice. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge until ready to serve.

more of our favorite whiskey cocktails

Store. You can batch this cocktail ahead. Just don’t add ice. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge until ready to serve.

Freeze. Avoid freezing. The alcohol content is too high, and freezing can dull the flavors. Chill in the fridge instead.

Finally, if you make this black manhattan recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

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