We recently read in the news about Russia stepping away from the New START nuclear treaty which reminded us of the Cold War and the constant threat of being really toasted. Luckily that day, the Bartender’s Choice at a local watering hole was their Manhattan Project. The real Manhattan Project was the secret little experiment that lit off the whole nuclear weapons thing. The bar’s Manhattan Project was essentially a Black Manhattan. Black substitutes Averna amaro for sweet vermouth found in a typical Manhattan. “Averna has a mouth-coating and bittersweet taste, carrying hints of orange and licorice, balanced with notes of myrtle, juniper berries, rosemary, and sage. It stimulates the senses, instantly transporting you to Sicily, and making Averna not just an amaro, but an authentic Sicilian experience.” There. That took our mind off nuclear anniliation.
Manhattan Project
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1 ounce Averna amaro (instead of sweet vermouth)
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters (such as Regan’s)
- Garnish: brandied cherry
– Jet Cannon
Photos: Cocktail Society, https://lucyjanesantos.com and Liquor.com
