A classic whiskey sour takes on new life as a New York Sour when a float of red wine is added. The wine blends beautifully with the whiskey, giving the drink extra fruitiness and depth. With just whiskey, red wine, lemon juice and simple syrup, you can make this elegant and flavorful cocktail.
Classic Sour Cocktails
A sour cocktail typically combines three elements: a base spirit, a sour component, and a sweetener. That simple formula leaves plenty of room for creativity. For example, a New England Sour uses vodka as the spirit, grapefruit juice for the sour, and maple syrup as the sweetener. The New York Sour keeps the familiar whiskey sour base and adds a red wine float for both flavor and visual appeal.
Ingredients to Make this Classic Whiskey Cocktail
- Rye whiskey — rye is traditional, but bourbon works well too.
- Simple syrup — made from equal parts sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves; keep refrigerated for up to a month.
- Lemon — use fresh-squeezed lemon juice and reserve a wheel for garnish.
- Red wine — a medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice for the float.
How to Make a New York Sour
Measure and add 2 ounces of rye whiskey (or bourbon) to a cocktail shaker.
Add 1 ounce of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and ½ ounce of simple syrup to the shaker.
Measure ½ ounce of red wine and set it aside for the float; do not add it to the shaker.
Fill the shaker about three-quarters full with ice, then shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
Fill a rocks glass with ice (crushed ice helps the wine float more easily, but regular ice is fine).
Strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared glass over the ice.
To create the red wine float, pour the wine slowly over the back of a spoon so it gently rests on top of the drink.
Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry.
Why It Works
The red wine layer adds a fruity, slightly tannic ribbon of flavor that lifts the familiar sweet-and-sour balance of a whiskey sour. The resulting drink is visually striking and offers an extra dimension of flavor that feels sophisticated but is effortless to make.
More Delicious Whiskey Sour Cocktails
- Blackberry Whiskey Sour
- Blood Orange Whiskey Sour
- Mango Habanero Whiskey Sour
- Peach Bourbon Sour
If you try this recipe, consider leaving a rating to share how it turned out. Enjoy experimenting — the New York Sour often becomes a favorite for anyone who likes a classic whiskey sour with a fruity twist.
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New York Sour Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon
- 1 ounce lemon juice fresh squeezed
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce red wine to float
- lemon wheel for garnish
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
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Add whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
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Fill the shaker with ice (about ¾ full) and shake for 30 seconds.
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Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
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Slowly pour the red wine over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the cocktail.
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Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
To make simple syrup: heat equal parts water and sugar over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Store in the fridge for up to a month. A common batch is 1 cup sugar to 1 cup water.