There is nothing “girly” about this cocktail. Also, there is nothing wrong with mixing whiskey in a cocktail. Now that we’ve got those two things out the way, please know that I don’t drink whiskey. You know I love wine. However, my husband has a hefty collection of bourbon and I’ve really wanted to know what all the fuss was about. So, he came up with the idea to make a whiskey cocktail. After much searching, he decided that a New York Sour would be suitable to try since it combined my favorite – wine. Well, it was delicious and I wanted to share the recipe with you.
What’s the Difference in a New York Sour and a Whiskey Sour?
The New York Sour is one of the most popular variations of a Whiskey Sour. The biggest difference is simple – red wine floating at the top! There are some conflicting stories on where this drink came from. It does appear to have originated during the late 1800’s from somewhere in Chicago. It even was known as a Continental Sour at some point. Eventually, New York Sour stuck and that’s what this wine and whiskey concoction is known as.
Why do some New York Sours have a white foam at the top?
Some New York Sour recipes, also include an optional egg white. That’s the white foam you see at the top of the drink. We are always a little intimidated about using egg whites in our cocktails but I know one day we’ll get the courage. However, it’s actually fairly easy to incorporate the egg white into your cocktail. Just separate the egg white from an egg, add to your whiskey mix, and shake. The egg white is simply a matter of preference.
What kind of whiskey and wine should you put in a New York Sour?
Good question! Honestly, my answer would be use what you have on hand. We normally have a bottle of red wine and whiskey that is open. I doubt you’re making this without at least one of those available. A bold red wine, like Napa Vally Quilt, by Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, will work great for the wine option. Sazerac Rye, will work nicely with this cocktail as well.
My husband has some very nice (and expensive) whiskey. Initially, I wanted to use some more expensive liquor to pull off this cocktail. However, he reassured me that an everyday bottle would suffice. As a non-whiskey drinker (or am I official now?), I didn’t know the difference anyway. So, again, use what you have on hand or use comparable brands we used.
New York Sour
This cocktail is strong but not stiff. It’s perfect for winter nights at home or all year long. It features wine, whiskey, simple syrup, and lemon juice. It’s an easy cocktail to whip up for one or a few friends.
- Prep Time: 2 Minutes
- Cook Time: 3 Minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 Ounces of Whiskey
- 1/2 Ounce of Lemon Juice
- 1 Ounce of Simple Syrup
- 1/2 Ounce of Wine
- Garnish to Include Blueberries, Lemon, Rosemary
Instructions
- Combine whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup. Shake or stir to combine.
- Pour whiskey mix over glass of ice.
- Using the back of the spoon, pour wine on top of cocktail. Wine should float on top on whiskey mixture.
- Garnish with fruit and herbs.
Notes
- To get the wine to float, pour the recommended amount of wine, over the back of a spoon and into your drink. This is important to see the different layers.
Don’t forget the garnish! You know how I feel about cocktail garnish. Go big or go home! We had a variety of fruit on hand and used that. You can definitely simply your garnish with an orange peel, one rosemary sprig, or a slice of lemon. I used a sandwich pick for blueberries too. Just have fun with your garnish and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Do you like whiskey? Would you try this New York Sour? Let me know in the comments below.
My best,
