New York Sour Cocktail: A Whiskey Sour with a Bold Red Flair

Cocktail Snapshot

• Spirit Base: Whiskey (usually bourbon or rye)

• Flavor Profile: Sweet, tart, oaky, with a smooth red wine finish

• Serve Style: Shaken, served over ice

• Difficulty: Medium

• Origin: Late 1800s, Chicago/New York

Backstory & Cultural Relevance

Though it proudly carries the name of the Empire State, the New York Sour was likely born in Chicago in the late 1800s, originally called the "Continental Sour." Bartenders there began adding a red wine float to the classic whiskey sour for added complexity and visual drama. As it gained popularity across bars in New York, the drink was renamed — and the rest is cocktail history.

This beautiful cocktail blends the approachable charm of a whiskey sour with a layer of sophistication, making it a favorite for both casual drinkers and cocktail connoisseurs.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey

• 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup

• 1/2 oz Dry Red Wine (Malbec, Shiraz, or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)

• Garnish: Lemon twist or cherry (optional)

Method

1. Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake vigorously until chilled (about 10–12 seconds).

3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

4. Gently float the red wine over the back of a spoon so it rests on top of the drink.

5. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry if desired.

Why It Works

The New York Sour combines:

• The tart brightness of lemon juice

• The smooth warmth of whiskey

• The rich fruit and tannins from the red wine float

…into a cocktail that's visually stunning and perfectly balanced in flavor.

Variations & Twists

• Maple New York Sour: Swap simple syrup for maple syrup for a richer, fall-like profile.

• Smoky Sour: Use a smoky Scotch float for a deep, peaty twist.

• White New York Sour: Float white wine or rosé for a gentler contrast.

• Egg White Version: Add 1/2 oz egg white for a frothy top layer (shake dry before ice).

Pairing Ideas

• BBQ Ribs – Bold whiskey and wine flavors complement smoky meat.

• Sharp Cheddar or Blue Cheese – Matches the cocktail’s richness and acidity.

• Dark Chocolate – The wine and whiskey pair beautifully with bittersweet cocoa.

Final Sip

The New York Sour is a cocktail that turns heads. With its striking red wine float and balanced sweet-tart-whiskey profile, it’s more than a drink—it’s a statement. Whether you're entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this cocktail brings class and complexity to any occasion.