Barsys
Black Manhattan
About
The Black Manhattan is a modern classic with a vintage soul. Created in 2005 by bartender Todd Smith in San Francisco, it swaps the traditional sweet vermouth of a Manhattan for amaro, an Italian herbal liqueur. The result is deeper, richer, and layered with complexity.
Where the classic Manhattan leans sweet and spicy, the Black Manhattan adds an earthy, bittersweet backbone that plays beautifully with the spice of rye whiskey. It’s an evening sipper for people who like their cocktails bold, aromatic, and a little mysterious. Served in a chilled coupe, it’s elegance in liquid form.get-togethers, movie nights, or those times when dessert and drinks become the same thing.
Shaken or Stirred? Stirred. This is a spirit-forward drink, and stirring keeps it clear, silky, and perfectly chilled without over-diluting.
What You'll Need
For one Black Manhattan cocktail:
- 60 ml rye whiskey
- 30 ml amaro liqueur
- 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
Optional garnish: Luxardo cherry for a touch of sweetness and visual flair.
Pro tip: Try different amari like Averna or Montenegro to tweak the herbal profile — each brings its own unique spin.
How to Make It
Prep time: 5 minutes
Skill level: Easy but benefits from precision
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add rye whiskey, amaro, and bitters.
- Stir for about 2030 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
Using Barsys?
With the Barsys Coaster Cocktail Maker, you can nail the perfect Black Manhattan every time, leaving you to focus on the garnish and presentation.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
In a drink this simple, balance is everything. Too much amaro, and it turns bitter; too little, and it loses its depth. Barsys ensures every pour is measured to perfection, so the flavor profile stays spot on.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed as a slow sipper on a cool evening, ideally with jazz in the background and nowhere to be in a hurry.
Garnish Game
Classic is the Luxardo cherry. For extra elegance, drop it in at the very end so it sinks slowly to the bottom.
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FAQs
What’s the difference between a Manhattan and a Black Manhattan?
The Black Manhattan replaces sweet vermouth with amaro, giving it a more herbal and bittersweet flavor.
Which amaro works best?
Averna is the classic choice, but other amari like Montenegro or Nonino offer interesting twists.
Can I make it with bourbon instead of rye?
Yes, bourbon will make it sweeter and rounder, while rye keeps it spicy and dry.
Can I batch Black Manhattans for a party?
Absolutely. Stir the whiskey, amaro, and bitters in a pitcher with ice, then strain into a serving bottle. Keep chilled and garnish per glass.
Does Barsys work for this drink?
Yes. Load the ingredients into Barsys, and it will deliver a consistent, perfectly balanced Black Manhattan every time.