There’s something about the New York Sour that just hits right—smooth, tart, bold, and unexpectedly elegant. It’s a whiskey sour with a twist: a float of red wine that not only adds depth but looks stunning too. This is one of my go-to cocktails for when I want something classic but with a little flair. Whether you’re mixing drinks for a quiet evening or impressing guests, this one never fails to start conversations.
New York Sour
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Old Fashioned glass (or a wine glass if you’re feeling fancy)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) whiskey (bourbon or rye both work well)
– ¾ oz (22 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– ½ oz (15 ml) dry red wine (like Shiraz or Malbec)
– Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well—about 15 seconds—until everything is nice and cold.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Here’s the fun part: slowly pour the red wine over the back of a spoon held just above the drink. This helps the wine float on top instead of mixing in. You’ll end up with a gorgeous two-tone effect.
Tips for Success
– Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled just doesn’t have the same brightness and can make the drink taste flat.
– Choose a dry red wine with a bold character—nothing too sweet or too light.
– Pour the wine gently to get that clean layer on top. If you rush it, the wine will mix in and you’ll lose that stunning look.
– I’ve made this drink countless times—one tip I’ve picked up: chill your glass beforehand to help keep the layers distinct.
Make-Ahead Note
You can mix the whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a quick shake with ice when you’re ready to serve, then add the wine float.
Ingredient Substitutions
– No simple syrup? Mix equal parts sugar and hot water until the sugar dissolves.
– Want a natural sweetener? Try honey syrup (2 parts honey to 1 part warm water) or agave nectar.
– Don’t have whiskey? Brandy makes a smoother, fruitier base.
– No red wine on hand? Grape juice or a non-alcoholic red wine works for a mocktail version.
Storage
While the finished cocktail is best served fresh, the base (whiskey, lemon juice, syrup) can be stored in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 2 days. Just don’t add the wine until you’re ready to drink.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
Barbecue Ribs
The citrus and wine cut through the richness, while the whiskey holds its own against bold flavors.
Sharp Cheddar or Blue Cheese
The salt and funk in aged cheeses make the citrus pop and balance the warmth of the whiskey.
Dark Chocolate Anything
Think flourless chocolate cake or a square of 70% cocoa chocolate. The bittersweet notes play off the red wine and lemon beautifully.
Variations to Try
Bordeaux Sour
– Use brandy instead of whiskey for a rounder, slightly sweeter profile.
Tropical Sour
– Add a splash (about ½ oz/15 ml) of pineapple juice to the shaker for a fruity, sunny twist.
Winter Sour
– Swap the simple syrup for cinnamon syrup and garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange peel for a cozy, spiced version.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Mix ¾ oz lemon juice with ½ oz simple syrup. Add ice and top with red grape juice or non-alcoholic wine.
Helpful Tips & FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh lemon juice really makes this drink shine. It gives that crisp, citrusy brightness you just can’t get from the bottled stuff.
What kind of whiskey works best?
Bourbon gives you a sweeter, smoother flavor, while rye adds spice and a bit more bite. Both are great—it’s all about what you’re in the mood for.
How strong is this cocktail?
It’s got a solid kick thanks to the whiskey, but the lemon and syrup smooth it out, and the wine adds a gentle, fruity finish.
How do I get that perfect wine float?
Pour slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the drink. The spoon helps the wine settle gently on top instead of mixing in.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely! Mix the whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup in a pitcher and keep it chilled. When serving, pour into individual glasses over ice and float the wine on top for each.
Final Thoughts
The New York Sour is one of those cocktails that’s easy to make but feels a little fancy. I love how each sip gives you something different—the tang of lemon, the warmth of whiskey, and that smooth, fruity layer of wine. It’s a drink with personality, perfect for evenings when you want something that’s both bold and balanced.
Give it a try, play around with the variations, and let it become part of your cocktail rotation. Cheers!
