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New York Sour Recipe

New York Sour Recipe

Learn how to make the perfect homemade New York Sour with this easy cocktail recipe. Mastering the wine float technique transforms a classic whiskey sour into an eye-catching craft cocktail that's guaranteed to impress. The best whiskey sour variation with a sophisticated wine layer that's surprisingly simple to create.
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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
🔥 Calories:
🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
🍞 Carbohydrates:
🍭 Sugar:
🍗 Protein:
🫀 Cholesterol:
🧂 Sodium:

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>

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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in New York Sour?

A classic New York Sour requires bourbon (or rye whiskey), fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white for the base, topped with a dry red wine float. Garnish with a lemon twist. A vegan version can substitute egg white with aquafaba.

How to make New York Sour at home?

Learn how to make New York Sour by dry-shaking whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white, then adding ice for a second shake. Strain into a chilled glass, let it settle, then carefully float red wine over the back of a bar spoon. The key to success is patience during the layering process for that eye-catching gradient effect.

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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A properly chilled glass maintains the temperature of your drink and enhances presentation." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Dry shake", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Wet shake", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Strain", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Let settle", "text": "Allow the cocktail to settle for about 15-20 seconds. You need a stable base for the perfect wine float." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Create wine float", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Garnish", "text": "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. 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The layering technique worked perfectly on my first try, and everyone was impressed by how professional they looked.", "name": "Showstopper Cocktail", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Chen", "datePublished": "2024-05-15", "reviewBody": "This New York Sour recipe is better than what I've had at expensive cocktail bars. The egg white creates such a luxurious mouthfeel, and the detailed instructions made the wine float technique foolproof.", "name": "Bar-Quality Results", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Andreas Müller", "datePublished": "2024-05-18", "reviewBody": "The dry shake technique for the egg white creates an amazingly silky texture. This has become my go-to impressive cocktail when I want to wow friends. The wine float is both beautiful and delicious.", "name": "Perfect Texture", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Camille Dubois", "datePublished": "2024-05-22", "reviewBody": "This recipe is absolutely worth the extra effort! The slow pour of wine creates that beautiful layered effect, and the combination of the tart whiskey sour with the fruity wine is divine. A new favorite in our house!", "name": "Worth Every Effort", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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