Sip on a New York Sour recipe that's both bold and balanced! This cocktail is a showstopper for any occasion, made with whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a red wine float.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
197
Ingredients
- 2 oz Whiskey
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz Red Wine
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Shaker
- Old Fashioned Glass or Rocks Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Strainer
- Bar spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned or Rocks glass with ice cubes.
- Shake Base: In the shaker, combine ½ oz simple syrup, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, and 2 oz Whiskey. Ice up the shaker and shake well.
- Strain: Strain the shaken mixture into your glass over fresh ice.
- Float Wine: Carefully float ½ oz Red Wine over the back of a bar spoon so it sits on top of the whiskey mixture.
- Garnish: Add a lemon wheel or twist for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Whiskey: If I'm out of whiskey, I’ve found that dark rum turned out to be an interesting alternative.
- Lemon Juice: I've used store-bought lemon juice in a pinch, but nothing beats freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Simple Syrup: If you're out of simple syrup, you can dissolve some sugar in warm water to make your own. A ratio of 1:1 sugar to water usually works well.
- Red Wine: I've used port wine for a richer, sweeter float. The color is stunning, and the flavor adds a unique twist.
Making a Pitcher:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of whiskey, 6 oz of fresh lemon juice, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 4 oz of red wine.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well with ice cubes.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, float the red wine, garnish with a lemon wheel or twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative available on the market.
- Red Wine Substitute: Use non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice for the wine float.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Simple Syrup: Ensure that the sugar you're using to make the simple syrup is vegan. Some white sugars are processed with bone char.
- Red Wine: Make sure to use a vegan red wine. Some wines use animal-based fining agents.
What is a New York Sour
New York Sour is a whiskey-based cocktail that takes the classic sour formula to the next level with a red wine float. This cocktail has gained popularity for its unique combination of ingredients, offering a harmonious balance between the tartness of lemon juice and the complexity of whiskey. While the red wine float may seem fancy, it complements the underlying flavors effortlessly. You don’t have to be an expert bartender to appreciate a New York Sour. Additionally, it is listed as an official cocktail by the International Bartenders Association (IBA).
What is a New York Sour made of – The ingredients
These elements constitute the recipe for a New York Sour:
- Whiskey: Provides the foundational warmth and complexity to the cocktail.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds tartness and brightness, balancing out the whiskey.
- Simple Syrup: Sweetens the mix, making the tart and complex flavors more approachable.
- Red Wine: Floats on top to offer a contrasting flavor and a visually striking layer.
- Ice Cubes: Chill the ingredients to make the drink refreshing.
- Lemon Wheel or Twist: Serves as a garnish, adding a subtle hint of citrus.
