A Black Manhattan uses and Italian liqueur called Averna which is a sweet amaro, very dark reddish-brown and sweeter than many sweet vermouths.
It’s also moderately bitter, with an herbal and orange peel intensity.Where vermouth has a grapey fruitiness, Averna has a licorice and citrus-peel earthiness. If you are new to Amaros, start with a 4:1 ratio of whiskey to Averna, instead of 2:1.
Amaro means “bitter” in italian. Originally created to aid in digestion, it is a bittersweet liqueur made from the distillation of herbs, spices, roots, flowers, or other botanicals.
Mix:
2 ounces whiskey or rye (I like using Makers Mark Whisky)
1 ounce Averna amaro
1-2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
1-2 dashes Angostura Orange Bitters
Stir with ice using a bar spoon for about 30 seconds
Add 1 Dark Amarena Cherry for garnish with a little of the cheery juice added to the drink
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a cocktail cherry.
Notes:
Don’t use a shaker. It leaves the drink very cloudy.
If you use Bourbon, it will have a slightly sweeter profile
