Little Italy

Name: Little Italy
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Rye Whiskey; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Cynar

Ingredients Instructions

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 oz
A high-proof (100 proof / 50% ABV) rye is recommended to stand up to the other ingredients.
Sweet Vermouth22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
A quality Italian vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino works best.
Cynar15 ml / 0.5 oz
The 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.