New York Groove: A Fall Manhattan Cocktail

What if you could capture fall in a glass? That was the assignment for Trevor Bowles and Erin Foster of the Garden & Gun Club at Stitzel-Weller Distillery, and New York Groove was their answer.

Created for the Bourbon Block Party, this fall Manhattan riff layers bourbon, rye, PX sherry, Lillet Blanc, and El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters. The drink has the warming structure you want from a whiskey cocktail, but the sherry and Lillet bring a softer, wine-like quality that feels right at home around a Thanksgiving table.

It is rich without being heavy, polished without being precious, and exactly the kind of cocktail that makes cooler weather feel like good news.

How Chicory Pecan Bitters Bring New York Groove Together

New York Groove starts with two whiskeys, so there is already plenty of oak, spice, and structure in the glass.

El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters add another layer without competing with them. Roasted chicory brings depth and a gently bitter edge, while pecan complements the warmer, nuttier qualities of the bourbon, rye, and PX sherry.

That matters because this is not a particularly sweet Manhattan riff. Lillet Blanc keeps the drink lighter and more aromatic than a traditional sweet vermouth would, while PX sherry contributes concentrated dried-fruit richness.

The bitters help connect those two sides of the drink: the strength and spice of the whiskey with the softer wine and dried-fruit character underneath.

Add expressed lemon oil on top, and the whole thing gets a bright aromatic lift before the first sip.

Fall, but make it tailored.

New York Groove

x Trevor Bowles & Erin Foster, Garden & Gun Club at Stitzel-Weller Distillery
This recipe makes 1 serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Blade and Bow Bourbon
• ½ oz Bulleit Rye
• ½ oz PX sherry
• ½ oz Lillet Blanc
• 3 dashes El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters
• Lemon peel, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pre-chill a coupe glass.
2. Add the bourbon, rye, PX sherry, Lillet Blanc, and bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice.
4. Stir for approximately 30 to 40 rotations, until the cocktail is well chilled and properly diluted.
5. Double strain into the chilled coupe.
6. Express the oils from a lemon peel over the surface of the drink.
7. Run the peel around the outside rim of the glass to add aroma.
8. Garnish with the lemon peel and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Pre-chill the coupe: New York Groove is served up, so starting with a cold glass helps the drink stay at the right temperature longer.
• Stir, don’t shake: This is a spirit-forward cocktail built from clear ingredients. Stirring preserves its silky texture and clarity.
• Count the rotations: The original method calls for approximately 30 to 40 rotations, giving the cocktail enough dilution to soften the whiskey without flattening it.
• Use the lemon peel twice: Express the oils over the drink first, then work the peel around the rim so you get fresh citrus aroma before every sip.
• Let the sherry do its job: PX sherry is intensely rich, which is why the recipe only needs ½ ounce. It adds dried-fruit depth without turning New York Groove into a dessert cocktail.
• Serve it with dinner: The wine-like qualities from the sherry and Lillet make this an especially natural fit for fall dinners and Thanksgiving gatherings.

Related Recipes

• El Guapo Black Old Fashioned
• Smoky Pecan Old Fashioned

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 does New York Groove taste like?

New York Groove is rich, warming, and spirit-forward with layers of whiskey spice, dried fruit, gentle nuttiness, and bright citrus aroma. PX sherry contributes raisiny depth, Lillet Blanc keeps the drink lifted, and Chicory Pecan Bitters add roasted, nutty complexity.

How is New York Groove different from a Manhattan?

New York Groove takes inspiration from a Manhattan but uses two whiskeys along with PX sherry and Lillet Blanc instead of relying solely on sweet vermouth. The result has more wine-like complexity, dried-fruit character, and a lighter aromatic quality while still keeping whiskey at the center.

Why use both bourbon and rye?

The two whiskeys bring different qualities to the drink. Bourbon contributes roundness and richness, while rye adds spice and a firmer backbone. Using both creates a more layered base than either spirit would provide alone.

What does PX sherry add to a whiskey cocktail?

PX, short for Pedro Ximénez, is a rich sherry known for concentrated dried-fruit character. In New York Groove, a small measure adds depth and sweetness while reinforcing the autumnal profile of the whiskey and bitters.

Why use Chicory Pecan Bitters in a Manhattan riff?

El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters add roasted chicory and pecan notes that work naturally with whiskey, oak, dried fruit, and fortified wine. In New York Groove, they help tie the bourbon, rye, sherry, and Lillet together without overwhelming the drink.

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