New York Sour Recipe

Servings: 1 Total Time: 5 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
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Few cocktails strike the perfect balance between elegance and boldness like the New York Sour. A close cousin of the classic Whiskey Sour, this drink stands out with its signature red wine float, offering a visually striking layered effect and a depth of flavor that sets it apart.

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a home bartender looking to expand your repertoire, mastering the New York Sour is a must. This guide will take you through its history, essential ingredients, step-by-step preparation, expert tips, creative variations, and perfect pairings to elevate your cocktail experience.


The History of the New York Sour

The New York Sour traces its roots back to the late 19th century when bartenders experimented with variations of the Whiskey Sour, a cocktail that had already gained widespread popularity. Despite its name, the drink is believed to have originated in Chicago, where a creative bartender added a red wine float to the traditional Whiskey Sour.

Over time, this elegant twist became known as the New York Sour, likely due to its association with the sophisticated cocktail culture of New York City. Today, it remains a beloved staple in bars worldwide, celebrated for its balance of whiskey’s warmth, citrus brightness, and the velvety smoothness of red wine.


Ingredients: What You Need to Make a Perfect New York Sour

To craft a New York Sour, you need high-quality ingredients that work together harmoniously. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey – A smooth, high-proof whiskey works best. Bourbon brings a sweeter, vanilla-like profile, while rye adds a spicier kick.
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for achieving the perfect tartness.
  • ½ oz simple syrup – A classic 1:1 ratio of sugar and water ensures balanced sweetness.
  • ½ oz dry red wine – A fruity, medium-bodied red wine like Malbec, Shiraz, or Zinfandel complements the whiskey beautifully.
  • Ice – Essential for chilling and diluting the cocktail to perfection.

Optional Garnishes

  • Lemon wheel or twist – Adds a refreshing citrus aroma.
  • Luxardo cherry – A premium cherry enhances the drink’s presentation and adds a subtle sweetness.

How to Make a New York Sour: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass

  • Use a rocks glass (Old Fashioned glass) for a classic presentation.
  • Fill the glass with ice to keep the drink chilled while you prepare the cocktail.

Step 2: Shake the Base Ingredients

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  • Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure proper dilution and chill.

Step 3: Strain into a Glass

  • Discard the ice from your prepared glass and add fresh ice.
  • Strain the shaken mixture into the glass, leaving room for the wine float.

Step 4: Create the Signature Red Wine Float

  • Hold a spoon upside down just above the surface of the drink.
  • Slowly pour the red wine over the back of the spoon to allow it to gently float on top. This creates a beautiful layered effect.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  • Optionally, add a lemon twist or a Luxardo cherry for an extra touch of sophistication.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips for a Perfect New York Sour

1. Choose the Right Whiskey

  • If you prefer a smoother, slightly sweeter profile, go with bourbon.
  • For a spicier, bolder taste, opt for rye whiskey.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients

  • Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled juice for the best flavor.
  • Make simple syrup at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water to avoid artificial flavors.

3. Master the Wine Float

  • Pouring the wine too fast will mix it into the drink rather than creating a float.
  • Use a spoon trick to control the pour and achieve the signature layered look.

4. Experiment with Red Wines

  • While Malbec, Shiraz, and Zinfandel are common choices, you can experiment with Cabernet Sauvignon for a bolder taste or Pinot Noir for a lighter touch.

Variations of the New York Sour

While the classic New York Sour is a masterpiece on its own, these variations add unique twists:

1. Maple New York Sour

  • Swap simple syrup for maple syrup to add a rich, caramelized sweetness.

2. Spiced New York Sour

  • Infuse the whiskey with cinnamon or cloves for a warm, autumn-inspired version.

3. Amaro New York Sour

  • Add ½ oz of Amaro for a herbal, slightly bitter complexity.

4. Mezcal New York Sour

  • Substitute whiskey with mezcal for a smoky, earthy variation.

Food Pairings: What to Serve with a New York Sour

Pairing the New York Sour with the right foods enhances its flavors. Here are some great options:

Cheese and Charcuterie

  • Aged cheddar or gouda complements the cocktail’s boldness.
  • Prosciutto or chorizo pairs well with the whiskey’s richness.

Grilled Meats

  • Steak or lamb chops bring out the depth of the whiskey and red wine.

Desserts

  • Dark chocolate truffles highlight the red wine’s fruitiness.
  • Berry tarts or cheesecakes provide a sweet contrast to the drink’s tartness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Stir Instead of Shaking the Cocktail?

Shaking is preferred because it aerates and chills the drink properly. Stirring won’t achieve the same balanced texture.

2. What Type of Red Wine Works Best?

Medium to full-bodied, fruit-forward wines like Malbec, Shiraz, or Zinfandel create the best contrast with whiskey.

3. Can I Make a New York Sour Without Egg White?

Unlike a traditional Whiskey Sour, the New York Sour typically does not include egg white—though you can add one for a silky texture.


Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Cocktail Game with the New York Sour

The New York Sour is a visually stunning and flavor-packed cocktail that deserves a spot in every cocktail enthusiast’s repertoire. Whether you enjoy the classic version or experiment with variations, this drink offers a perfect balance of whiskey warmth, citrus brightness, and red wine richness.

New York Sour Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins Total Time 5 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 1 Best Season: All Seasons

Description

The New York Sour is a sophisticated whiskey-based cocktail that combines the bold flavors of bourbon or rye whiskey with the tartness of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. What sets this drink apart is the striking red wine float, which adds complexity and a visually stunning layered effect. Perfect for cocktail lovers seeking a balance of sweet, sour, and rich flavors, the New York Sour is a timeless classic that’s easy to make yet impressive to serve.

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

For the Cocktail:

For Garnish:

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cocktail Base

    In a cocktail shaker, add the bourbon (or rye), fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.

    Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.

  1. Strain into a Glass

    Fill a lowball (Old Fashioned) glass with fresh ice.

    Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass, ensuring a smooth pour.

  1. Float the Red Wine

    Hold a bar spoon just above the cocktail and slowly pour the red wine over the back of the spoon.

    This will create a beautiful layered effect with the wine floating on top of the drink.

  1. Garnish and Serve

    Garnish with a lemon twist or a lemon wheel on the rim of the glass.

    Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1


Amount Per Serving
Calories 212.56kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.05g1%
Sodium 12.44mg1%
Potassium 55.49mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 16.65g6%
Dietary Fiber 0.06g1%
Sugars 15.38g
Protein 0.08g1%

Vitamin C 8.78 mg
Calcium 5.15 mg
Iron 0.81 mg
Vitamin E 0.03 IU
Vitamin K 0.05 mcg
Thiamin 0.03 mg
Riboflavin 0.02 mg
Niacin 0.1 mg
Vitamin B6 0.01 mg
Folate 4.68 mcg
Phosphorus 8.53 mg
Magnesium 5.15 mg
Zinc 0.08 mg

* Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on available ingredients and serving sizes. Variations in ingredients and portion sizes may affect the actual values. Always consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific dietary advice.

Note

  • Choosing the Whiskey: Bourbon gives a sweeter, smoother taste, while rye whiskey adds a spicier edge.
  • Red Wine Selection: Use a dry red wine with bold flavors like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon for the best contrast.
  • Serving Tip: To enhance the visual effect, use a clear ice cube instead of regular crushed ice.
  • Variations:

Add an egg white before shaking for a frothy, creamy texture (a variation called the "Boston Sour").

Substitute honey syrup instead of simple syrup for a richer sweetness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use another type of wine?

Yes! While dry reds like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon work best, you can experiment with a fruity Shiraz or a light Pinot Noir for a different character.

What’s the best way to achieve a perfect wine float?

Pour the wine slowly over the back of a spoon just above the surface of the drink. This helps it rest gently on top without mixing too much with the whiskey sour base.

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can pre-mix the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then shake and add the wine float just before serving.

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