Averna Manhattan
The Averna Manhattan is a sophisticated and bold cocktail that reimagines its famous namesake. By replacing the traditional sweet vermouth with Amaro Averna, the drink takes on a deeper complexity with notes of cola, orange, licorice, and gentle spice. This variation maintains the spirit-forward character of the original, typically built on a spicy rye whiskey base, but introduces a wonderful bittersweet dimension. It's an elegant sipper, perfect for those who appreciate nuanced and herbaceous flavors in their drinks.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Averna Manhattan is an alcoholic cocktail. It is considered a modern variation of the classic Manhattan, placing it within the category of classic cocktails due to its structure and spirit-forward nature.
Serving
Serve this spirit-forward cocktail cold in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It is a potent drink, meant for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
This drink is a specific iteration of the Black Manhattan, a modern classic created in 2005 by bartender Todd Smith at the San Francisco bar Bourbon & Branch. The original Black Manhattan called for Averna, making this recipe a return to the cocktail's roots. The name "Black Manhattan" was coined due to the dark, rich color imparted by the amaro, distinguishing it from the traditional ruby-hued Manhattan.
Origin
Based on the Black Manhattan, which originated in San Francisco, USA, around 2005. The specific focus on Averna honors the original creator's vision.
Averna Manhattan
The drink is known by its specific name, Averna Manhattan. It can also be described as a Black Manhattan, with the clarification that it specifically uses Amaro Averna, as the broader "Black Manhattan" category can include various types of amaro.
Original name
Averna Manhattan
Alternative name
Black Manhattan (Averna Variation)
Characteristics overview
This drink boasts a complex, bittersweet flavor profile with a silky texture and a warming, herbal finish. Its deep amber color and aromas of spice and citrus make it an inviting cocktail, especially for cooler months.
Flavor
bittersweet, spicy, herbal, citrusy, caramel, licorice
Aroma
rye spice, orange peel, herbal, cola
Taste balance
bittersweet, balanced
Aftertaste
long, warming, complex, herbal
Fizziness
still, none
Color appearance
deep amber, dark reddish-brown, clear
Texture
silky, smooth, viscous
Seasonality
warming, autumnal, wintery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Averna Manhattan has a pronounced bittersweet and spicy character, with moderate sweetness and fruitiness. It is a strong, still cocktail with a bold flavor profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The core ingredients for this cocktail are rye whiskey, Amaro Averna, and aromatic bitters. Using a quality, high-proof rye is recommended for the best flavor balance.
- Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 ozA high-proof (100 proof / 50% ABV) rye is recommended to stand up to the amaro.
- Amaro Averna30 ml / 1 ozThis specific amaro is key to the drink's signature flavor profile.
- Angostura Bitters1 dashAdds aromatic spice complexity.
- Orange Bitters1 dash(optional)Enhances the citrus notes present in the Averna.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a mixing glass, a bar spoon, and a strainer to properly chill and dilute this stirred cocktail.
- Mixing glass for stirring the ingredients.
- Bar spoon for stirring.
- Julep or Hawthorne strainer for straining into the glass.
Instructions
This cocktail is made by stirring all liquid ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. It is then strained into a chilled coupe and garnished with an expressed orange peel.
1. Place your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Add the rye whiskey, Amaro Averna, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters (if using) to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full with large, solid ice cubes.
4. Stir with a bar spoon smoothly and consistently for about 20-30 seconds, until the outside of the glass is well-chilled and frosted.
5. Strain the cocktail into your chilled serving glass.
6. Take a fresh orange peel, hold it over the drink's surface, and twist or squeeze it to release the citrus oils. Drop the peel into the glass.
7. If desired, add a brandied or maraschino cherry as an additional garnish.
Garnishing
An expressed orange peel is the essential garnish, adding bright citrus aroma. A quality cherry can be added for a touch of sweetness and classic presentation.
- Orange peel, expressed over the drink to release its oils, then dropped in.
- High-quality brandied or maraschino cherry (optional).
Dietary Information
This cocktail is alcoholic and generally free from common allergens such as caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, as distilled spirits, amaro, and bitters typically contain no animal products.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The Averna Manhattan is a relatively high-calorie, spirit-forward drink. Most of its carbohydrates and sugars come from the Amaro Averna.
Calories
Averagely 220 kcal / 920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is ideal for sophisticated settings, such as an evening aperitif or an after-dinner digestif. Its warming and complex character makes it suitable for relaxed evenings and intimate cocktail parties.
- After-dinner drink
- Cocktail party
- Sophisticated gathering
- Evening relaxation
Pairing suggestions
The rich, bittersweet profile of the Averna Manhattan pairs beautifully with strong, savory, and rich flavors. Consider serving it with dark chocolate for a classic pairing, or with a platter of aged cheeses and cured meats to complement its complexity.
- Dark chocolate
- Aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged cheddar
- Charcuterie board
- Roasted nuts
The Averna Manhattan: A Bittersweet Symphony
The Averna Manhattan is a masterful, modern take on one of mixology's most iconic cocktails. By swapping sweet vermouth for Amaro Averna, it offers a deeper, more complex and bittersweet profile that is both challenging and immensely rewarding. The spice of the rye whiskey provides a perfect backbone for the amaro's notes of citrus, cola, and herbs. Best served ice-cold in a chilled coupe, this is the perfect drink for a discerning palate looking to explore a sophisticated, spirit-forward sipper.
Similar Cocktails
Black Manhattan
The umbrella term for this style of cocktail. It can be made with any amaro in place of sweet vermouth, such as Cynar, Ramazzotti, or Fernet-Branca.
Rob Roy
A Manhattan made with Scotch whisky instead of rye or bourbon. Using a peated Scotch creates a smoky variation.
Brooklyn
A more complex relative, made with rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and an amaro (originally Amer Picon).
Classic Cocktails
Variations
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