Black Manhattan Cocktail Brownies Recipe

Master these homemade bourbon-infused brownies with the sophisticated flavor profile of a Black Manhattan cocktail. The best fudgy chocolate base enhanced with premium bourbon, amaro, and aromatic bitters for a deliciously boozy dessert. Easy baking recipe that delivers complex flavors for an adult dessert that impresses.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Serves:

16 brownies

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">175g unsalted butter</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250g granulated sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 large eggs, room temperature</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml bourbon whiskey</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml Averna amaro (or other dark amaro)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp aromatic bitters</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120g all-purpose flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">40g cocoa powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g dark chocolate chips</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For garnish: 8 Luxardo cherries (or other cocktail cherries), chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For garnish: Orange zest from 1 orange</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 310 calories

🥑 Fat: 18 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 11 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 32 g

🍭 Sugar: 24 g

🍗 Protein: 4 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 65 mg

🧂 Sodium: 120 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">20cm x 20cm square baking tin</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Heatproof bowl</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Microplane zester</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to make removing the brownies easier later. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water (ensuring the bottom doesn't touch the water), melt the dark chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally until completely smooth. This gentle melting method prevents the chocolate from seizing or burning. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Remove the bowl from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then whisk in the sugar until well combined. The warmth of the chocolate mixture will help dissolve some of the sugar, creating that characteristic shiny brownie top. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly between each addition until completely incorporated. This careful incorporation is crucial for the perfect texture – you're looking for a glossy, ribbon-like consistency that falls slowly from the whisk. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Pour in the vanilla extract, bourbon, amaro, and bitters. Whisk until fully combined. Don't worry about the alcohol smell – much of it will bake off, leaving behind complex flavor notes rather than a strong alcoholic taste. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt directly over the wet ingredients. This prevents lumps and ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined – overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in cake-like rather than fudgy brownies. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Fold in the chocolate chips and half of the chopped cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. The chips will create pockets of melted chocolate in the finished brownies, while the cherries echo the garnish of a traditional Black Manhattan. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Transfer the batter to the prepared baking tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chopped cherries and the orange zest over the surface, pressing them gently into the batter. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Bake for 23-25 minutes until the edges are set but the middle still has a slight wobble. A skewer inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs attached – this is crucial for fudgy brownies. If it comes out completely clean, they're overbaked. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin on a wire rack. This cooling period is essential – it allows the brownies to set properly and intensifies their flavor. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife. For professional-looking results, wipe the knife clean between each cut. Serve at room temperature to appreciate the full depth of flavors. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Black Manhattan Cocktail Brownies?

These boozy brownies feature dark chocolate, butter, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, and the classic Black Manhattan cocktail components: bourbon whiskey, Averna amaro, and aromatic bitters. They're garnished with Luxardo cherries and orange zest.

How to cook Black Manhattan Cocktail Brownies at home?

Learn how to cook Black Manhattan Cocktail Brownies by melting chocolate and butter together, incorporating eggs and sugar for a glossy texture, then adding bourbon, amaro and bitters for the cocktail flavour. Fold in dry ingredients carefully, bake until just set with a slight wobble, then cool completely before cutting for the perfect fudgy texture.

Can I substitute the alcohol in these boozy brownies?

Yes! For non-alcoholic brownies, replace bourbon with vanilla extract, substitute amaro with coffee or espresso, and use orange juice with a dash of non-alcoholic bitters or cinnamon instead of regular bitters. The flavour profile will be different but still delicious.

What's the secret to achieving that perfect fudgy brownie texture?

The key to fudgy brownies is slightly underbaking them (look for set edges with a slight wobble in the centre), using the right ratio of fat to flour, and cooling them completely before cutting. Never overmix the batter after adding flour to prevent a cakey texture.

How should these cocktail-inspired brownies be stored?

Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped brownies for up to 3 months. The alcohol content actually helps extend their shelf life.

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