New Yorker Cocktail recipe
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You’ll find the New Yorker sits firmly in the spirit-forward, pre-dinner cocktail tradition: a short whiskey drink lightly sweetened and aromatised, served up in a cocktail glass. While the name nods to big-city swagger, it reads more like a simple, bar-friendly variation on classic whiskey-and-liqueur combinations than a drink with a single, well-documented origin story. Think of it as a compact, old-school sipper that leans on a few bold ingredients rather than a long list of modifiers.
On the palate, whiskey brings the backbone—warm, grainy depth and a dry edge—while DOM Bénédictine adds a concentrated herbal sweetness that immediately softens and perfumes the drink. A dash of grenadine contributes a quick flash of pomegranate-like sweetness, rounding the Benedictine’s richness and nudging the whiskey into a smoother, slightly fruit-tinted finish without turning it into a candy-sweet cocktail.
This is one for when you want something short, elegant, and unapologetically boozy—ideal before dinner or as a late-night “one more” in place of a heavier serve. If you enjoy whiskey cocktails that are subtly sweet and aromatic rather than citrusy, you’ll feel right at home, especially when you’re after a refined pour that still has a little drama in the glass.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Whiskey leads with a dry, warming backbone, while DOM Benedictine adds honeyed herbal depth and a faint spice, and a dash of grenadine brings a quick flash of pomegranate-like sweetness and a rosy edge. It works because the Benedictine’s rich botanicals round the whiskey’s bite as the grenadine lifts the finish; ideal for fans of spirit-forward, lightly sweetened aperitif-style sippers.
Method
How to make a New Yorker
- Whiskey 20ml, DOM Benedictine 10ml, Grenadine Dash
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- Add all ingredients together with ice in a cocktail shaker and shake well
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- Pour into a cocktail glass and serve
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Find out more- Use a high-quality rye whiskey for its spicier notes, which provide a deeper contrast to the sweetness of the grenadine and the herbaceous DOM Benedictine.
- Add a few drops of orange bitters to the mix for an added depth of flavor and a hint of citrus.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail
· Shake ·Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
Why is the New Yorker cocktail shaken and not stirred?
The New Yorker cocktail is shaken instead of stirred to achieve a well-blended mix of its ingredients, particularly to ensure that the denser Grenadine and DOM Benedictine are evenly distributed throughout the drink. Shaking also chills the cocktail more effectively, adding a refreshing briskness that enhances its flavors.
Can I substitute another type of whiskey in the New Yorker cocktail?
Yes, while the New Yorker traditionally uses a specific type of whiskey, you can substitute it with another type of whiskey based on your preference or what's available. For instance, if the recipe calls for rye whiskey, you could use bourbon for a sweeter profile or a Scotch for a smokier touch. However, keep in mind that the substitution may slightly alter the original flavor profile of the cocktail.
What is the ideal glassware for serving a New Yorker cocktail?
The New Yorker cocktail is best served in a cocktail glass, also known as a martini glass. This type of glassware enhances the drinking experience by showcasing the cocktail's color and making it easy to sip. The stem of the glass also helps to keep the drink chilled by minimizing the warmth from your hand.
How does the alcohol content of a New Yorker compare to other classic cocktails?
At 40% alcohol content, the New Yorker is on the higher end of the spectrum for classic cocktails, which typically range from 15% to 50% alcohol by volume. For example, it is stronger than a Mojito (around 20%) but not as strong as a Martini (around 30%-40%), depending on the recipe. Its pronounced alcohol content is due to the relatively high proportion of whiskey and the addition of DOM Benedictine.
How can I customize the New Yorker cocktail to suit my tastes?
Customizing the New Yorker cocktail can be fun and allows you to tailor it to your preferences. You might consider adjusting the amount of Grenadine for sweetness level, using a flavored whiskey for a unique twist, or even adding a dash of bitters for complexity. Additionally, experimenting with different garnishes, like a lemon twist or maraschino cherries, can provide a new layer of flavor and presentation.
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