New York Sour
New York Sour is a striking whiskey cocktail with a silky foam, bright lemon acidity, and a velvety red wine layer floating on top. The result is tart, warming, and beautifully balanced, with spicy rye depth and a dry fruity finish.
Ingredients
Whiskey sour base
- 100 mlrye whiskey
- 50 mlfresh lemon juice
- 30 mlsimple syrup (1:1)
- 30 mlegg white
- 200 gice cubes
Red wine float
- 30 mldry red wine
To serve
- 120 gice cubes
- 2 stripslemon peel
Instructions
- 1
Chill 2 rocks glasses if possible. Fill each glass with the ice cubes for serving so the drink stays cold while you mix.
- 2
Add the rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup (1:1), and egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice. Dry shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to build a stable foam.
- 3
Add the ice cubes to the shaker and shake hard again for 10-15 seconds, until the shaker is very cold and the drink is well chilled and slightly frothy.
- 4
Strain evenly into the prepared glasses over the fresh ice. Aim for a smooth foam cap on top.
- 5
Slowly pour the dry red wine over the back of a spoon so it floats on the surface in a distinct red layer. Use about half in each glass.
- 6
Express the lemon peel over each drink to release the oils, rub it lightly around the rim, and garnish. Serve immediately.
Nutrition per serving
Notes
- •Use a bold, peppery rye and a dry, fruit-forward red wine such as Shiraz, Malbec, or Cabernet Sauvignon for the best contrast.
- •If you prefer not to use raw egg white, substitute pasteurised egg white for a safer but equally foamy result.
- •For a cleaner float, pour the wine very slowly over a bar spoon held just above the foam.
- •Fresh lemon juice is essential; bottled juice makes the drink taste flat and harsh.
Background
The New York Sour is a classic American whiskey sour variation distinguished by its dramatic red wine float. It likely emerged in the late 19th century and has also appeared under older names such as the Continental Sour, reflecting the long tradition of combining citrusy sours with wine.
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