Bourbon Bash

Dallas mixologists stir things up at Woodford Reserve's Manhattan Experience

Woodford Reserve tasked six Dallas mixologists with stirring up creative twists on the classic Manhattan cocktail during a special event for restaurant and bar industry insiders.

Traditionally the Manhattan is two parts rye or bourbon, one part sweet vermouth, and a couple dashes of aromatic bitters for a hint of spice. The requirements for this cocktail showcase were fairly simple: Dream up an original recipe with Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey as the primary ingredient. The bartenders could add to that up to seven more ingredients — including drops and dashes but excluding garnishes and zests.

Alex Fletcher, Eddie Eakin, Matt Orth, Mike Steele, Fernanda Rossano and Kendyll Clark (in absentia) were the chosen ones. Rossano did a grilled banana bourbon infusion with a bit of chocolate bitters and sweet vermouth. Eakin infused the Woodford Reserve with Dragon Pearl black tea, added some sweet vermouth and fig cordial, and garnished with a tea-soaked fig.

Fletcher’s Manhattan had saffron syrup, which he blended with an Italian fortified wine, and two dashes of Angostura bitters with a twist of lemon oils. Steele played with a cardamom- and clove-infused dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, and plum bitters as an aromatic.

Orth’s version had persimmon-infused sweet vermouth, with drops of orange and tiki bitters. The cherry on top was rolled in toasted walnut and turbinado sugar. Clark’s rendition, prepared by fellow bartender Christian Armando in her absence, played on the bitter and floral aspects of the Manhattan by adding a bitter aperitif, sweet vermouth and Chinese five-spice bitters.

Brian McCullough and Rich Allison served as the grand poobahs of this bourbon fest, and they jotted down tasting notes as each round was presented. While the mixologists made their drinks behind the bar, attendees noshed on crispy pork belly, blue cheese grits, onion dip and house-made chips, arancini, and tacos al pastor. DJ JT Donaldson provided the event soundtrack.

On the enclosed patio, Boardroom Salon for Men staff members gave out complimentary hot shaves and beard trims. In addition to celebrating the Manhattan, Woodford Reserve wanted to honor the close of Movember.

In the end, McCullough and Allison declared Orth’s Manhattan their favorite, although everyone on this special evening was a winner — especially those whose only job it was to sit back, relax and enjoy a nice bourbon cocktail.

CRAFT CAREFULLY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol.

The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ® 2014

Brian McCullough and Rich Allison at Woodford Reserve Manhattan party

Photo by Shana Anderson

Grandscape goals

Soccer and dining venue from the UK gears up for U.S. debut in The Colony

Photo courtesy of TOCA Social

TOCA Social will make its U.S. debut in Grandscape in The Colony.

In time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup frenzy taking hold of Dallas, a soccer-themed entertainment and dining venue from the United Kingdom will make its U.S. debut in DFW this spring: Called Toca Social, it will open at The Grandscape complex in The Colony on March 6.

First announced for Grandscape in 2024, Toca Social combines soccer, entertainment, and dining, with a state-of-the-art venue and innovative soccer-based games. (A Toca Social was originally planned for Dallas, but that location was scrapped.)

The concept was founded by two-time U.S. World Cup veteran and MLS player Eddie Lewis and is backed by soccer legend Abby Wambach. It's billed as "the world’s first soccer social club" and only has three other locations - two in London and one in Birmingham, England.

“Toca was born from my obsession with the technical side of the game and the belief that a soccer ball should be at everyone’s feet,” says Lewis in the release. “After seeing the incredible reception in the UK, bringing our Social flagship home to the U.S. — and specifically to a soccer-rich market like Dallas — is a dream realized. We’ve created a place where the skill of the pros meets the energy of a world-class night out.”

Toca Social soccer Toca Social coming to Granscape in March 2026. Toca Social

The 20,000-square-foot high-tech venue features "social boxes" where players kick soccer balls against a screen that keeps score on best kicks. Cleats are not required. They tout their proprietary ball-delivery and tracking technology — an evolution of the "small ball" training method Lewis used during his 14-year professional career, the release says.

“Soccer is the ultimate unifier, but for too long, the 'entry fee' was being a pro-level athlete,” says Wambach in the release. “Toca Social is changing that narrative. This Dallas-area flagship is where the next generation of American soccer culture is being built.”

Sustenance comes by way of a chef-driven “Global Street Food” menu featuring Birria Tacos and Spicy Fried Chicken; along with a bar program that includes something called a "Pitch Invader" cocktail, which the release does not describe but calls a fan favorite.

There are massive 4K screens, ensuring Toca Social will be a premier location for FIFA World Cup watch parties this summer. Nine World Cup matches will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington in June and July. Dallas' Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will serve as the official will also serve as the International Broadcast Center.

Toca currently operates another concept, Toca Soccer and Sports Centers, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with locations in Allen, Carrollton, The Colony, Keller, and Mansfield. The company also has a strategic partnership with MLS club, FC Dallas.

“Our partnership with MLS is a cornerstone of our mission to engage fans in innovative new ways,” says Yoshi Maruyama, CEO of Toca. “By launching our U.S. Flagship at Grandscape now, we are providing a world-class destination where fans can play, dine, and celebrate the global game."

Reservations are now open at Toca Social in Grandscape for group outings, celebrations, corporate events, and matchday gatherings.

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Raven Jordan contributed to this report.

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