Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill your coupe or rocks glass with ice and cold water to chill it while you prepare the cocktail. Let the glass sit for at least two minutes.
- Add several large ice cubes to your mixing glass until it is about three-quarters full.
- Pour 2 ounces of bourbon over the ice in your mixing glass using a jigger for accuracy. Let the bourbon sit on the ice for about 10 seconds.
- Measure 1 ounce of Averna amaro and pour it into the mixing glass with the bourbon.
- Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters into the mixing glass.
- Insert your bar spoon into the mixing glass and stir smoothly for 30 to 40 seconds in one consistent direction until the outside of the mixing glass becomes frosty and cold to the touch.
- Dump the ice and water from your chilled serving glass and give it a quick shake to remove any excess water droplets.
- Place your strainer over the mixing glass and pour the cocktail into the chilled serving glass in one smooth motion.
- Drop a brandied cherry into the glass or rest it on the rim as garnish. Let rest for 10 seconds before serving.
Notes
The key to a perfect Black Manhattan is proper stirring technique. Stir gently but continuously for the full 30 to 40 seconds to achieve the ideal balance of chill and dilution. Always stir, never shake a Black Manhattan. You can batch this cocktail without ice and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.