Get ready to impress your guests with this Pro-level Black Manhattan cocktail recipe! Made with 2oz Bourbon, 1oz Punt e Mes, 1/2oz Amaro, and a dash of Angostura bitters, this drink is the perfect blend of sweet and bitter. Garnished with a cherry and served in a sleek cocktail glass, this recipe is sure to elevate your bartending skills. Don't forget to use a metal straw or bar spoon for a perfectly stirred drink.
Black Manhattan Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Punt e Mes
- 1/2 oz Amaro
- dash Angostura bitters
- 1 Cherry
- garnish maraschino cherry
Black Manhattan Equipment
- kitchen strainer - dispose of fruit pieces
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
Black Manhattan Recipe
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes to cool the ingredients properly
- shake till perfectly chilled
- pour into Cocktail glass
- garnish with maraschino cherry if desired
Recommend: serve in Cocktail glass
The conical shape of the cocktail glass brings to mind martini for most people. Cocktail glasses are for drinks with a volume of 3 to 6 ounces that are usually served "up" without ice.The Black Manhattan: A Classic Cocktail with a Modern Twist
As a professional bartender, I have seen many cocktails come and go, but there are some that remain popular year after year. The Black Manhattan is one of those timeless drinks that has stood the test of time. In this article, we'll explore the popularity of the Black Manhattan, its ingredients, variations, and common mistakes to avoid when making it.
Popularity
History and Origins
The Manhattan cocktail was first created in the late 1800s, and it quickly became a popular drink among the upper class. It is believed that the Black Manhattan was invented in the early 2000s by Todd Smith, a bartender at Bourbon and Branch in San Francisco. Smith replaced the sweet vermouth in the traditional Manhattan with Punt e Mes, an Italian vermouth that has a bitter, earthy flavor. The addition of Amaro, a bitter Italian liqueur, gives the Black Manhattan its distinctive flavor.
Famous for
The Black Manhattan is famous for its rich, complex flavor profile. The combination of bourbon, Punt e Mes, and Amaro creates a drink that is both sweet and bitter, with just a hint of spice from the Angostura bitters. The drink is usually garnished with a maraschino cherry, which adds a touch of sweetness and color.
Geographic
The Black Manhattan has become a popular cocktail in bars and restaurants across the United States. It is particularly popular in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, where craft cocktails are a big part of the bar scene.
Appearance
The Black Manhattan is a dark, sophisticated drink that is usually served in a cocktail glass. The deep red color of the Punt e Mes adds a beautiful hue to the drink, while the maraschino cherry adds a pop of color to the garnish.
Ingredient Roles
The Black Manhattan is a simple cocktail that is made with just a few ingredients, but each one plays an important role in creating the drink's unique flavor profile.
Bourbon
Bourbon is the base spirit in the Black Manhattan, and it provides the drink with its rich, oaky flavor. It is a type of American whiskey that is made from at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels.
Punt e Mes
Punt e Mes is an Italian vermouth that is used in place of the sweet vermouth in a traditional Manhattan. It has a bitter, earthy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the bourbon.
Amaro
Amaro is a bitter Italian liqueur that is made from a blend of herbs and spices. It adds a layer of complexity to the Black Manhattan and balances out the sweetness of the bourbon and Punt e Mes.
Angostura Bitters
Angostura bitters are a type of aromatic bitters that are made from a blend of herbs and spices. They add a subtle spice flavor to the Black Manhattan and enhance the other ingredients.
Cherry
The cherry is a classic garnish for the Black Manhattan, and it adds a touch of sweetness and color to the drink. A maraschino cherry is usually used, but you can also use a fresh cherry if you prefer.
How to Garnish
Garnishing a Black Manhattan is simple. Start by pouring the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass, then place a maraschino cherry on top of the drink. You can also add a twist of lemon or orange peel for an extra burst of flavor.
If you want to take your garnishing skills to the next level, try experimenting with different types of cherries or adding a sprig of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Variations
The Black Manhattan is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary restrictions.
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Black Manhattan, simply omit the bourbon and replace it with a non-alcoholic alternative like Seedlip Spice 94. You can also use a non-alcoholic bitters like Angostura Orange Bitters to add flavor.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
The Black Manhattan is naturally gluten-free, as all of the ingredients are gluten-free. However, if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, be sure to check the labels of the ingredients you use to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Version
The Black Manhattan is vegan-friendly, as all of the ingredients are plant-based. However, some brands of maraschino cherries may contain animal products, so be sure to check the label if you are vegan.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Black Manhattan, replace the Punt e Mes with a dry vermouth like Dolin Dry Vermouth. This will reduce the sugar content of the cocktail and make it more keto-friendly.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Black Manhattan, use a sugar-free cherry syrup or a calorie-free sweetener like Stevia instead of the maraschino cherry. You can also use a lower proof bourbon to reduce the calorie content of the cocktail.
Common Mistakes When Making
While the Black Manhattan is a simple cocktail to make, there are a few common mistakes that can ruin the drink.
Using low-quality ingredients
The quality of the ingredients you use will greatly affect the flavor of the Black Manhattan. Be sure to use high-quality bourbon, Punt e Mes, and Amaro, as well as fresh bitters and a good quality cherry.
Over-stirring or under-stirring
Stirring is an important part of making a Black Manhattan, as it helps to blend the ingredients together and chill the drink. However, over-stirring or under-stirring can affect the flavor and texture of the drink. Be sure to stir the cocktail until it is well-chilled and properly diluted.
Using the wrong glassware
The Black Manhattan is traditionally served in a cocktail glass, but using the wrong type of glassware can affect the flavor and appearance of the drink. Be sure to use a properly chilled cocktail glass to serve your Black Manhattan.
In conclusion, the Black Manhattan is a timeless cocktail that has remained popular for over a century. With its rich, complex flavor profile and simple ingredients, it is a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. By experimenting with different variations and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a perfect Black Manhattan every time.
If you are going to order Black Manhattan in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Black Manhattan can be served with different ingredients in different places.