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2675 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227
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By Country
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By Region
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Tuscany
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Explore
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OCT. SPECIALS!
On Sale
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Explore
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Location & Hours
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Order History
Liquor Blog
Top 5 Whiskey To Try
What Is Triple Sec?
Discover Cointreau: The Story, the Craft, and Cocktail Classics
Macallan Whiskey: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Innovation
The Ultimate Guide to Spirits and Cocktails
Ultimate Guide to Cincoro Tequila
Tequila Rose: A Comprehensive Guide
Herradura Tequila
All About Tequila Ocho
Everything About Knob Creek Bourbon
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Top Ready-to-Drink Cocktails for Summer 2024
Top 10 Tequilas You Should Try
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What Is a Black Manhattan?
The Black Manhattan takes everything you love about a classic Manhattan and adds a new layer of flavor. Instead of sweet vermouth, this drink uses amaro - an Italian herbal liqueur. The result is a cocktail that's less sweet, more complex, and perfect for those who enjoy a bit of bitterness in their glass.
Todd Smith, a bartender in San Francisco, created the Black Manhattan in 2005. He named it after its darker color, which comes from the amaro. Since then, it's become a favorite among cocktail fans who want something a little different from the usual.
When you order a Black Manhattan, here's what you'll get:
Rye whiskey as the base, often a high-proof version for extra kick
Amaro instead of sweet vermouth, bringing in herbal and bitter notes
A mix of aromatic and orange bitters for added depth
A garnish of luxardo cherries, which are richer and less sweet than regular cocktail cherries
These changes might seem small, but they make a big difference in taste. The Black Manhattan is more intense, with a wider range of flavors than its classic cousin.
For folks in Cheektowaga, NY who want to try making this at home,
Union Wine & Liquors
at
2675 Union Road
is a great place to start. We have a good selection of rye whiskeys and amari, plus our staff can help you choose the right bottles for your taste.
What is a Black Manhattan?
The Black Manhattan is a modern variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail. The difference lies in its use of amaro, an Italian herbal liqueur, in place of the traditional sweet vermouth. This substitution changes the drink's flavor profile by adding depth and complexity to the already strong character of the classic Manhattan.
Originating in the early 2000s, the Black Manhattan is credited to Todd Smith, who created it while working at the Bourbon & Branch bar in San Francisco. Smith's innovation was to replace the sweet vermouth with Averna, a specific type of amaro. This change both altered the cocktail's flavor and gave it a darker appearance, hence the name "Black Manhattan."
How to Make the Perfect Black Manhattan?
The essential ingredients in a Black Manhattan include:Â
1. Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey is the foundation of a Black Manhattan. It's different from bourbon in a few ways:
Flavor:
Rye is spicier and less sweet than bourbon. It often tastes peppery, with hints of grass or grain.
Legal requirements:
In the U.S., rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye grain. Many ryes use much more than that.
Proof:
For a Black Manhattan, many bartenders prefer a higher proof rye, often 100 proof or more. This stands up well to the strong flavors of amaro.
A popular choice is Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey. It's made with 95% rye grain, which gives it a bold, spicy flavor that works well in this cocktail. But don't be afraid to try others. Each rye will bring its own character to your drink.
2. Braulio Amaro
Amaro is what makes a Black Manhattan different from a regular Manhattan. Here's what you need to know:
What it is:
Amaro is an Italian herbal liqueur. It's usually bitter, but can also be sweet or medicinal.
How it's made:
Producers steep herbs, roots, flowers, and sometimes fruit in alcohol. Each amaro has its own secret recipe.
Flavors:
Amari can taste of herbs, citrus peel, licorice, wood, and more. Some are very bitter, others are more balanced.
3. Bitters
Bitters are highly concentrated flavor extracts. In a Black Manhattan, they help tie all the flavors together. Most recipes call for two types:
Aromatic bitters:
Usually Angostura bitters. These add depth with flavors of spices and herbs.
Orange bitters:
These add a hint of citrus that brightens the drink.
You only need a few dashes of each, but they make a big difference in the final taste of your cocktail.
Step-by-Step Black Manhattan Recipe
Now that we've covered the ingredients, let's put them together. Here's how to make a Black Manhattan:
Ingredients:
2 oz (60 ml) rye whiskey
1 oz (30 ml) amaro
2 dashes aromatic bitters
1 dash orange bitters
Luxardo cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Pour in the rye whiskey and amaro.
Add the dashes of both types of bitters.
Stir well for about 30 seconds. This chills the drink and mixes the flavors without adding too much dilution.
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or two.
More Tips:
Use large, clear ice cubes for stirring. They melt more slowly, giving you better control over dilution.
Chill your glass beforehand. This keeps your drink cold longer.
Adjust the ratio of whiskey to amaro to suit your taste. Some prefer 2.5 oz whiskey to 0.75 oz amaro for a stronger drink.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect from Your Black Manhattan?
When you take your first sip of a Black Manhattan, you're in for a complex experience. Here's what you might notice:
1.
First impression
: The drink is strong and spirit-forward. You'll immediately taste the spicy rye whiskey.
2.
Mid-palate:
As you continue to sip, the amaro's flavors come through. Depending on which amaro you use, you might taste:
Herbs like sage, thyme, or mint
Bitter notes from gentian or wormwood
Sweet touches of caramel or vanilla
Citrus peel flavors
Woody or earthy undertones
3.
Finish:
The aftertaste is usually long and pleasant. You'll likely notice:
A lingering bitterness, but not unpleasant
Spice notes from the rye
A slight sweetness balancing the bitter
4.
Mouthfeel:
The Black Manhattan is usually smooth and full-bodied. The high alcohol content gives it a warm feeling.
5.
Aroma:
Before you even taste it, you'll smell:
The spicy scent of rye
Herbal notes from the amaro
A hint of orange from the bitters
Black Manhattan Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about the Black Manhattan is how easy it is to customize. By changing just one or two elements, you can create a whole new experience.
Let's explore some ways to make this cocktail your own.
1. Experimenting with Different Rye Whiskeys
The rye whiskey you choose can dramatically change your Black Manhattan. Here are some options to try:
1.
High-rye content whiskeys:
Bulleit 95 Rye (95% rye): Spicy and bold
WhistlePig 10 Year (100% rye): Complex with notes of mint and dill
2.
Lower-rye content whiskeys:
Sazerac Rye (51% rye): Softer, with notes of citrus and spice
Rittenhouse Rye (51% rye): Spicy but balanced, often used in cocktails
3.
Higher proof options:
Wild Turkey 101 Rye (101 proof): Bold and spicy
Pikesville Rye (110 proof): Rich with a long finish
Each of these will bring different flavors to your cocktail. Try a few to see which you prefer.
2. Exploring Various Amaro Options
Changing the amaro is perhaps the easiest way to create a new version of the Black Manhattan. Here are some interesting amari to experiment with:
Averna:
The original choice. Bittersweet with notes of citrus and herbs.
Cynar:
Made with artichokes. Vegetal and bittersweet.
Montenegro:
Lighter and sweeter, with strong orange notes.
Fernet-Branca:
Very bitter and mentholated. Creates a much more intense cocktail.
Ramazzotti:
Balanced, with notes of orange peel and cinnamon.
Braulio:
Alpine herbs give this a unique, fresh taste.
Nonino:
On the sweeter side, with caramel and orange notes.
Try making a Black Manhattan with each of these. You might be surprised at how different the cocktail can taste.
3. Adjusting Ratios for Personal Preference
The standard ratio for a Black Manhattan is 2 parts rye to 1 part amaro. But don't be afraid to adjust this to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:
Whiskey-forward:
Try 2.5 oz rye to 0.75 oz amaro for a stronger whiskey flavor.
Amaro-forward:
Use 1.5 oz rye to 1.5 oz amaro to really highlight the amaro's flavors.
Lower alcohol:
Use 1.5 oz rye to 1 oz amaro, and add a splash of water or extra stirring time.
Split base:
Try 1 oz rye and 1 oz bourbon with 1 oz amaro for a different flavor profile.
Black Manhattan Food Pairing Suggestions
The Black Manhattan is a cocktail that pairs well with many foods and suits various occasions. Let's explore some pairing ideas.
Food Pairings that Complement the Black Manhattan
Aged Cheeses
Flavor Notes:
Aged cheddar: Sharpness complements amaro's bitterness
Blue cheese: Strong flavors match the cocktail
Parmesan: Nutty flavors work well with rye
Best Occasion: Cocktail parties, cheese tasting events
Cured Meats
Flavor Notes:
Prosciutto
Salami
Coppa
Saltiness and fat balance the drink's bitterness
Best Occasion: Pre-dinner aperitif, charcuterie nights
Dark Chocolate
Flavor Notes: Bitterness echoes the amaro's flavors
Best Occasion: After-dinner digestif, dessert pairings
Nuts
Flavor Notes: Toasted almonds or walnuts complement the whiskey's nuttiness
Best Occasion: Casual snacking, bar snacks
Grilled or Smoked Meats
Flavor Notes: Cocktail stands up well to bold, smoky flavors
Best Occasion: Summer barbecues, steakhouse dinners
Fruit-based Desserts
Flavor Notes: Try with cherry or fig tart to complement the cocktail's complexity
Best Occasion: Dessert pairings, autumn gatherings
Drink Responsibly & In Style
The Black Manhattan cocktail is a bold twist on the classic that brings together spicy rye and complex amaro for a unique taste experience. It's the perfect choice for your next dinner party or a relaxing evening at home.
Ready to craft your own Black Manhattan? Stop by
Union Wine & Liquors
at
2675 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227.
We've got all the premium ingredients you need, from top-shelf rye to a variety of amari.
Not sure where to start? Our friendly staff loves talking spirits and can help you pick the perfect bottles. Visit us in-store, call
(716) 608-6190
, or browse our selection at
unionwineandliquor.com
. Got questions? Email us at unionliquors2695@gmail.com. Your new favorite cocktail is just a shake (or stir) away!