With rye whiskey, walnut liqueur and bitters, this Black Manhattan has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that is a little heavier in style than the classic. Perfect for sipping, this cocktail exudes elegance and depth in every glass.
I made this for a party last weekend. Huge hit!
- Jeremy
You can never have enough cocktails - from a blueberry smash to a traditional Moscow Mule to a rum sour to an Aperol negroni.
I've recently been on a kick of rye whiskey. There is actually a well-known distillery right here in Baltimore - Sagamore.
Instead of just having some on the rocks however, I thought it would be fun to use for a cocktail. And anyone who likes whiskey has had the classic Manhattan - which uses rye, vermouth and bitters.
And while I'm a fan as well, I wanted something different. I had a Black Manhattan once and really enjoyed it. Instead of using Averna, I changed it up and used some walnut liqueur.
And what you get is an upgrade on the classic. While it may not be "black", it is much darker. So if you are looking for something different but tasty, this cocktail should be at the top of the list.
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Why You Will Love This Cocktail
- Easy and quick to make - Just 3 ingredients create a refreshing drink in seconds.
- Versatile - Works well with various beer styles, from wheat beers to lagers, letting you customize it to your taste.
- Great for any occasion - Perfect for brunches, game days or casual get-togethers.
Ingredient Notes
- Rye Whiskey - Provides a bold, spicy backbone with notes of pepper, caramel and vanilla, serving as the foundation of the cocktail.
- Nero Walnut Whiskey - Adds a rich, nutty complexity with earthy, slightly bitter undertones, enhancing the depth of the drink. I used Nero, but you can also use Nocello.
- Angostura Bitters - Contributes warm, aromatic spice notes with hints of clove, cinnamon and allspice, balancing the sweetness of the liqueur.
- Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6 - Brings bright citrus and subtle herbal notes, adding freshness and complexity.
- Orange Peel - For the look but also complements the bitters and walnut liqueur.
Ingredient Swaps
As with any recipe, you can change up the ingredients if need. Some substitutes include:
- For a sweeter, smoother profile just use bourbon instead of rye whiskey.
- While I like Nero Walnut Liqueur, you can go with Amaro Averna.
- If you don't have Angostura Bitters, just use any old fashioned bitters you have.
How to Make a Black Manhattan
Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.
Step 1: Stir all of the ingredients well with ice.
Step 2: Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange peel.
Best Whiskey for a Black Manhattan
I already mentioned that I use Sagamore, but there are plenty of whiskey options for this cocktail. Some include:
- Knob Creek Straight Rye Whiskey - notes of herbs and rye with undertones of vanilla and oak.
- Whistlepig Rye Whiskey - notes of allspice and orange peel with hints of caramel and vanilla.
- Bulleit Rye Whiskey - oaky aroma with hints of vanilla, honey, and spice.
Cocktail FAQs
It is basically the same formula, but using something other than vermouth. It is less whiskey driven and has bitter, earthy and more herbal flavor.
Of course. Averna is what is typically used in this cocktail. Averna is dark brown and thick with a bittersweet finish. You will get notes of anise, citrus, juniper berries, myrtle, rosemary, and sage in the taste.
A true Manhattan has Angostura Bitters so I would use if you can get it. If you can't find Regans, there are other orange bitters out there or just double the Angostura.
I personally like using a coupe glass, but an old fashioned whiskey glass works as well.
Absolutely! Mix the rye, walnut liqueur and bitters in advance, store in the fridge, and stir with ice before serving.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Use a whiskey you like as some of the flavor comes from it.
- Chill the glass so it remains cold for longer.
- Stir, don't shake. Stir the ingredients with ice for at least 30 seconds to ensure proper dilution and a silky texture.
- If you prefer cherries, garnish with it instead of an orange peel.
Black Manhattan
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Nero Walnut Liqueur
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
- 1 dash Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6
- 1 orange peel
Instructions
- Stir all of the ingredients well with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange peel.
Video
Notes
- Use a whiskey you like as some of the flavor comes from it.
- Chill the glass so it remains cold for longer.
- Stir, don't shake. Stir the ingredients with ice for at least 30 seconds to ensure proper dilution and a silky texture.
- If you prefer cherries, garnish with it instead of an orange peel.
Jeremy says
I made this for a party last weekend. Huge hit!
Ryan says
Glad to hear!