Little Italy
The Little Italy is a modern classic that offers a complex, bittersweet twist on the traditional Manhattan cocktail. Created by the legendary Audrey Saunders, it cleverly substitutes Angostura bitters with the Italian amaro Cynar, lending the drink a unique vegetal and herbal depth. The combination of spicy rye whiskey, rich sweet vermouth, and the distinctive artichoke-based liqueur results in a beautifully balanced and memorable cocktail. It is an ideal choice for those who appreciate spirit-forward, nuanced drinks and a departure from the ordinary.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Little Italy is a modern classic cocktail, part of the spirit-forward, stirred drink family. It is typically served as an aperitif due to its bittersweet character but is also enjoyed as a sophisticated evening sipper.
Serving
This is a potent, spirit-forward drink served cold and 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Its relatively high alcohol content makes it a flavorful sipper meant to be enjoyed slowly.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled glass
Backstory
The Little Italy was created in 2005 by Audrey Saunders at her influential New York City bar, Pegu Club. It was conceived as a riff on the Manhattan, showcasing her talent for creating new classics by making a simple yet impactful substitution. Saunders replaced the standard bitters with Cynar, an Italian amaro, which perfectly complemented the rye and vermouth while adding a signature bittersweet, earthy character. The name is a nod to both the key Italian ingredients and the famous Manhattan neighborhood.
Origin
Created in 2005 by Audrey Saunders at Pegu Club in New York City, USA.
Little Italy
The drink is consistently known as the Little Italy, a name that pays homage to its Italian ingredients and its creation in New York City. It does not have any common alternative names.
Original name
Little Italy
Characteristics overview
The Little Italy has a complex, bittersweet flavor profile with herbal and spicy notes from the rye and Cynar. It presents a smooth, silky texture and a long, warming finish, making it a satisfying, contemplative sipper suitable for any season.
Flavor
bittersweet, herbal, spicy, complex, earthy, rich
Aroma
spicy rye, sweet herbs, botanical, orange peel
Taste balance
bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
long, warming, herbal, pleasantly bitter
Fizziness
none, still
Color appearance
deep amber, reddish-brown, clear
Texture
smooth, silky, medium-bodied
Seasonality
all-season, warming, autumnal
Flavor intensity & Experience
This is a robustly flavored cocktail where the assertive bittersweet notes from Cynar and the spiciness of rye dominate. The sweetness from the vermouth provides a crucial balance against the high alcohol strength, resulting in a complex but harmonious profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires three key liquid ingredients: a spicy rye whiskey, a rich sweet vermouth, and the signature Italian amaro, Cynar. A high-quality cherry is also essential for the garnish.
- Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 ozA high-proof (100 proof / 50% ABV) rye is recommended to stand up to the other ingredients.
- Sweet Vermouth22.5 ml / 0.75 ozA quality Italian vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino works best.
- Cynar15 ml / 0.5 ozThe key ingredient that provides the drink's signature bittersweet, vegetal flavor.
Ice type
- Cubed ice for stirring
Mixing equipments
You will need standard bar tools for a stirred cocktail, including a mixing glass, a jigger for measuring, a long bar spoon for stirring, and a strainer.
- Mixing glass: for combining and chilling the ingredients.
- Bar spoon: for stirring the cocktail gently.
- Jigger: for accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Strainer: to hold back the ice when pouring.
Instructions
The preparation involves chilling a glass, measuring and combining the three spirits in a mixing glass with ice, and stirring until perfectly diluted and chilled. The drink is then strained into the glass and garnished.
1. Place a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Cynar to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with large, solid ice cubes.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds, until the outside of the mixing glass is frosty and well-chilled.
5. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into your chilled coupe glass.
6. Garnish by dropping a single maraschino or brandied cherry into the glass. Serve immediately.
Garnishing
The traditional garnish is a single, high-quality maraschino or brandied cherry, which adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. It should be dropped into the glass after pouring.
- Maraschino cherry: Drop one high-quality, dark maraschino or brandied cherry into the finished drink.
Dietary Information
This is an alcoholic beverage that is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and generally considered vegan. It is not classified as gluten-free due to the use of rye whiskey, though the distillation process removes most gluten proteins.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
A single serving contains around 200 calories, primarily from the alcohol content. The carbohydrate and sugar content is moderate, originating from the sweet vermouth and Cynar.
Calories
Approximately 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 8-10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 7-9 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The Little Italy serves as an excellent aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal. It is also perfect for a sophisticated cocktail hour or as a contemplative nightcap. Its bold flavors make it a great choice for gatherings where guests appreciate well-crafted, spirit-forward drinks.
- Cocktail Hour
- Pre-dinner Drink (Aperitif)
- Sophisticated Gathering
- Nightcap
Pairing suggestions
The bittersweet and herbal notes of the Little Italy pair wonderfully with savory and salty foods. It is an excellent companion to an Italian-style charcuterie board featuring cured meats and hard cheeses. The cocktail can also stand up to rich, savory dishes like a bolognese or carbonara.
- Cured meats (prosciutto, salami)
- Hard cheeses (Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino)
- Marinated olives and nuts
- Rich pasta dishes
The Little Italy: A Modern Manhattan with an Italian Soul
The Little Italy is a masterful modern classic that re-imagines the Manhattan with a bittersweet Italian soul. By replacing traditional bitters with Cynar, creator Audrey Saunders crafted a cocktail that is both familiar and excitingly new. The spicy rye whiskey provides a robust backbone, which is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the vermouth and the complex, vegetal bitterness of the artichoke liqueur. It is a sophisticated, spirit-forward drink perfect for connoisseurs and those looking to explore the world of modern cocktails.
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