Black Manhattan | Recipe and Lore | Alchemix | Cocktails

The Alchemist,

Todd Smith

The Poison,

Orange Bitters

1 Dash

Angostura Bitters

1 Dash

Averna Amaro

1oz/30ml

Rye Whiskey

2oz/60ml

Glassware

Martini

Garnish

Brandied Cherry

The Alchemy,

In a Mixing Glass, add Bitters, Amaro, and Whiskey in that order. Stir over ice. Strain into a Martini Glass. Garnish with Brandied Cherries. Serve or Imbibe.

The Lore,

It seems that Todd Smith set out to create a Manhattan’s Manhattan by doubling down on the existing flavors in the Classic. Averna has a bit more sweetness than the average Sweet Vermouth but is balanced with spice notes from the herbs and citrus peel which are beautyfully paired with the spice found in Rye Whiskey due to the heavy rye grain Mash Bill. The existence of Orange Peel in the Averna is matched with Orange Bitters, not usually found in a Classic Manhattan.

The Philosophy,

Swap 1 ingredient in a Classic and boom. You have a Modern Classic. This was a good swap.

The Era,

2005. Beginning of the 2nd Cocktail Revolution.

The Geology,

Bourbon and Branch, San Francisco, CA.

The Essence,

Swapping Averna Amaro for Sweet Vermouth in the Classic Manhattan formula makes for a deeper, darker, richer, variation with added spice notes from the Averna. Depending on the Rye that you choose in the Manhattan, this will be a far spicier variation of a Manhattan.

Alchemix Assessment,

A deeper, darker, richer Manhattan with more notes of Orange Peel and slightly less sweet than the average. A Great, well balanced Cocktail.

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