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New York Sour Recipe

New York Sour Recipe

By What’s Baking

A bold whiskey sour crowned with a ruby-red wine float that creates a striking dual-layer effect and merges bright citrus, smooth whiskey, and fruity wine in each sip.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A backlit coupe glass reveals a stunning layered effect – golden whiskey sour base with a dramatic crimson wine float creating a sunset gradient. Close-up captures the textural contrast between the velvety white froth and the ruby-red wine layer. Crystal-clear ice complements the amber-to-burgundy color transition. Moody bar lighting accentuates the separation between layers while casting intriguing shadows through the glass. A twisted lemon peel garnish rests elegantly on the rim, with its oils glistening on the cocktail's surface. Background features subtle whiskey barrel elements and wine bottles, emphasizing the cocktail's cross-category heritage.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml bourbon whiskey (or rye whiskey)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml simple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg white (or 15ml aquafaba for vegan version)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15-20ml dry red wine (preferably Shiraz or Malbec)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon twist for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rocks glass or coupe glass</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Chill your serving glass by filling it with ice and water while you prepare the cocktail. A properly chilled glass maintains the temperature of your drink and enhances presentation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Combine bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in your cocktail shaker. Perform a "dry shake" (without ice) for about 15 seconds to properly emulsify the egg white – this creates that silky, luxurious texture that's essential to a proper New York Sour.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add ice to your shaker and shake vigorously for another 15 seconds. This second shake properly chills and dilutes the cocktail while maintaining the frothy texture created in your dry shake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Empty the ice water from your glass. Double-strain the cocktail through both a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into your chilled glass to ensure a silky-smooth texture without ice chips.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Allow the cocktail to settle for about 15-20 seconds. You need a stable base for the perfect wine float.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>For the signature float, hold a bar spoon curved-side up just above the surface of the cocktail. Very slowly pour the red wine over the back of the spoon so it gently cascades onto the surface of the drink. The wine should float atop the frothy whiskey sour base, creating that distinctive two-tone layer effect. Pour slowly and with patience – rushing this step will cause the layers to mix.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Express the oils from a lemon twist over the cocktail's surface, run the twist around the rim of the glass, and place it delicately on the edge as garnish. The citrus oils enhance the aroma and complement both the whiskey and wine components.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 375 calories
🥑 Fat: 28 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 16 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 29 g
🍭 Sugar: 22 g
🍗 Protein: 5 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 85 mg
🧂 Sodium: 250 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best whiskey to use for a perfect wine-topped sour cocktail?

A robust bourbon with notes of vanilla and caramel provides an ideal base, though spicier rye whiskey offers a compelling alternative. Choose mid-shelf options like Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, or Bulleit. Avoid heavily peated or smoky whiskeys as they can clash with the wine component.

Why does my wine sink instead of creating that beautiful float layer on my sour?

The wine sinking typically happens when poured too quickly or directly. Pour extremely slowly over the back of a bar spoon held just above the frothy surface. Also ensure your base cocktail has properly settled and has sufficient egg white foam. The density difference between components creates the layering effect.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this classic whiskey-wine layered cocktail?

Yes! Substitute whiskey with a non-alcoholic alternative like Ritual Zero Proof or Seedlip Spice, use alcohol-free red wine, and follow the same technique. The egg white (or aquafaba) provides the necessary texture, while the layering method remains identical for that striking visual appeal.

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