Fanciulli Manhattan

Recipe from Philip Greene

Adapted by Robert Simonson

Updated June 10, 2024

Fanciulli Manhattan
Melina Hammer for The New York Times
Rating
4(82)
Comments
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Francesco Fanciulli (1853-1915) was given the unenviable task of succeeding John Philip Sousa as the leader of the United States Marine Band. After he refused an officer’s request to play a tune, Mr. Fanciulli was arrested for insubordination. But Fanciulli later had a cocktail named after him. The drink’s origins are murky, but it is clearly in the manhattan family, the chief difference being a touch of the amaro Fernet Branca, perhaps a nod to the musician;'s childhood years in Italy. This recipe is from Philip Greene, a Washington-based cocktail historian. —Robert Simonson

Featured in: A Cocktail Writer’s Life: The Pentagon by Day, a Barstool by Night

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Ingredients

Yield:1 drink
  • 2ounces bourbon
  • 1ounce sweet vermouth
  • ¼ounce Fernet Branca
  • Lemon twist, for garnish
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (1 servings)

182 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 1 gram carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 2 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a mixing glass half-filled with ice, combine the bourbon, vermouth and Fernet Branca. Stir until chilled, about 30 seconds. Garnish with the lemon twist.

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4 out of 5
82 user ratings
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Comments

Rob

One must enjoy the herbaceous intensity of an amaro to appreciate the merits of this riff on the Manhattan. Fernet’s stronger and more bitter than many an amaro at that—almost medicinal, really. With the right touch, though, it can really elevate a cocktail. Lemon twist, rather than orange, is mandatory for this one. A dash of maraschino liqueur might offer some balance.

John

I'm deflated again! I invented this cocktail last week and, just as was the case with the sidecar, it was famous before I was born. Sigh.

Robert

Like a Boulevardier 2 oz American Whiskey, 1 oz sweet Vermouth 1 oz Campari

John

I'm deflated again! I invented this cocktail last week and, just as was the case with the sidecar, it was famous before I was born. Sigh.

Isabel Roubidoux

We had rye, and instead of Fernet Branca, an amaro from Breckenridge. Amped up the amaro to 1/2 oz, and wow. What a wonderful discovery.

Todd B.

Made this with Makers Mark and Cocchi vermouth de Torino, plus the fernet and a slice of lemon. Fantastic. A new favorite

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Credits

Adapted from Philip Greene

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