Neutral Ground Side: Sophisticated Chicory Liqueur Cocktail
Sep 18, 2025
Meet the Neutral Ground Side a spirit-forward stunner that celebrates the deep, roasted flavors Louisiana is known for. Created by the team at Compère Lapin, this chicory liqueur cocktail blends warm pecan, bold chicory, and a whisper of citrus into a silky, aromatic drink made for slow sipping.
If you love rich, nuanced cocktails with New Orleans soul, this one belongs in your repertoire.
Neutral Ground Side Cocktail Recipe
Makes one cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.75 oz King Cake Cachaça (recipe below)
- 0.5 oz Cathead Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur
- 1 splash freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 dashes El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters
- 1 toasted marshmallow, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the King Cake Cachaça, Chicory Liqueur, lemon juice, and El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until the mixture is deeply chilled and beautifully diluted.
- Strain into a Nick & Nora glass.
- Finish with a skewered toasted marshmallow for an irresistible aromatic touch.
King Cake Cachaça Recipe
This infused cachaça is the backbone of the cocktail—festive, spiced, and unmistakably Louisiana.
Ingredients & Supplies
- 1 liter cachaça (we used Avua Cachaça)
- 2 scraped vanilla beans
- 2 handfuls toasted pecans
- 2 handfuls golden raisins
- 4 whole nutmegs, ground
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- A large airtight container
- Cheesecloth or 200-micron filter
- Empty cachaça bottle
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in your airtight container.
- Infuse 5–7 days, giving it a shake now and then to encourage extraction.
- Strain through cheesecloth or a fine filter.
- Rebottle and store at room temperature for up to three months.
Flavor Profile: Warm, Nutty, and Aromatic
The Neutral Ground Side is all about depth. The spiced King Cake Cachaça brings warmth and complexity. Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur adds the rich roasted notes that feel right at home in a New Orleans cocktail. Our Chicory Pecan Bitters tie everything together with toasted pecan, chicory, and soft baking-spice aromatics. A small splash of lemon brightens the entire drink, keeping it lifted and balanced.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chicory liqueur cocktail?
It’s a cocktail featuring chicory-based liqueur for deep, roasted notes reminiscent of New Orleans coffee. It adds warmth, earthiness, and complexity to any spirit-forward drink.
What is a stirred cocktail with pecan bitters?
Stirred cocktails keep spirits silky and clear. When you add El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters, you get nutty depth and an aromatic lift that plays beautifully with aged spirits.
Can I use a different spirit instead of King Cake Cachaça?
Absolutely. A flavorful aged rum or a smooth bourbon will both work well. The final profile will shift, but the drink will still shine.
Why stir instead of shake?
Stirring chills and dilutes the drink without aerating it, which preserves clarity and texture ideal for boozy, elegant cocktails like this one.
