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New York Sour cocktail
Alcoholic Ordinary Drink Whiskey sour glass Medium

New York Sour

The New York Sour is a delightful twist on the classic whiskey sour, featuring a vibrant layer of red wine that adds depth and complexity. This cocktail combines the smoothness of blended whiskey with the tartness of lemon and a touch of sweetness, making it a refreshing choice for any occasion.

6 Ingredients
10 min Prep Time
Whiskey sour glass Glass
Chilled Best Served
sweet sour strong

Ingredients

  • Blended whiskey spirit 60 ml (2 oz)
  • Lemon juice juice Juice of 1/2 Lemon
  • Sugar syrup 1 tsp
  • Claret Red wine wine Float on top
  • Lemon slice garnish 1/2 slice
  • Cherry garnish 1

How to Make a New York Sour

Shake blended whiskey, juice of lemon, and powdered sugar with ice and strain into a whiskey sour glass. Float claret on top. Decorate with the half-slice of lemon and the cherry and serve.

Bartender Tip

💡

For a more pronounced wine flavor, use a fruity red wine that complements the whiskey.

History of the New York Sour

The New York Sour is believed to have originated in the 19th century, with its roots tracing back to the classic whiskey sour. It gained popularity in New York City and has since become a staple in cocktail culture.

About the New York Sour

The New York Sour is a ordinary drink that belongs to the alcoholic family of cocktails. It is traditionally prepared with Blended whiskey, Lemon, Sugar and served in a Whiskey sour glass.

Best enjoyed at parties, with dinner, during celebrations.

As with all alcoholic beverages, please enjoy this cocktail responsibly.

Did You Know?

The New York Sour is sometimes referred to as the 'New York City Sour' and is known for its striking appearance, thanks to the layered red wine on top, which creates a beautiful gradient effect.

New York Sour Variations

Red Wine Sour This variation uses a different type of red wine, such as a fruity Pinot Noir, for a lighter and more aromatic profile. Swap: Swap the claret red wine for Pinot Noir.
New York Sour Fizz In this version, club soda is added for a fizzy twist, making it a refreshing highball cocktail. Swap: Add club soda to the original ingredients.

Pairs Well With

Grilled steak BBQ ribs Dark chocolate desserts

Quick Facts

~200
Calories
Medium
Strength
10 min
Prep Time

Common Mistake

A common mistake is to shake the cocktail too vigorously, which can cause the red wine to mix in rather than float on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the New York Sour?

The New York Sour is believed to have originated in the 1880s, with its roots in the classic whiskey sour. It gained popularity in New York City, where bartenders began to add a float of red wine on top, creating a visually striking and flavorful drink.

Can I use different types of whiskey in a New York Sour?

Yes, while blended whiskey is traditional, you can experiment with different types such as bourbon or rye whiskey. Each type will impart its unique flavor profile, giving you a chance to customize the drink to your taste.

Why is red wine floated on top of the New York Sour?

The red wine float not only adds a beautiful visual layer but also enhances the cocktail's complexity. As you sip, the wine mingles with the whiskey and lemon, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that evolves with each taste.

What type of red wine works best for a New York Sour?

A dry red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot, is ideal for floating on top of a New York Sour. These wines complement the sweetness of the whiskey and the tartness of the lemon without overpowering the cocktail.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my New York Sour?

You can easily adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar you use in the cocktail. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the sugar, or if you like it sweeter, consider adding a bit more or using a flavored simple syrup.

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