A Classic New York Sour Cocktail Recipe
As a longtime cocktail lover, I've had the pleasure of serving and creating many classic cocktails. One of my all-time favorites is the New York Sour, a variation of the classic whiskey sour with a twist. It's a beautiful and delicious drink that has become a staple in many bars and is perfect for any occasion. In this post, I’ll be sharing my go-to New York Sour recipe and some tips on how to make this drink at home.
The History of the New York Sour
The New York Sour has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. It is said to have originated in New York City, hence the name, and was first mentioned in a book called "Modern American Drinks" by George Kappeler. This classic cocktail has stood the test of time and is still a popular choice for whiskey lovers.
Ingredients:
2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1 raw egg white (optional)
1/2 ounce red wine to float (Cabernet Sauvignon works best)
Tools:
Cocktail shaker
Rocks glass
Ice
Cocktail strainer
Bar spoon
The New York Sour Recipe:
Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, add 2 ounces of rye whiskey or bourbon, 3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can substitute the simple syrup with maple syrup, which adds a nice depth of flavor.
Step 2: Optional: Add 1 raw egg white to the shaker if you want a frothy head on your drink. This is a traditional ingredient in the New York Sour, but if you're not comfortable with using raw egg, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Dry shake all the ingredients without ice for about 10-15 seconds. This will help create a frothy and silky texture to your drink.
Step 4: Add fresh ice to the shaker and shake again for another 10 seconds to chill the drink.
Step 5: Double strain the drink into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. This will ensure that any small bits of ice or lemon pulp are removed, giving you a smooth and clean drink.
Step 6: Take 1/2 ounce of red wine and gently pour it over the back of a spoon on top of the drink. This will create a beautiful layer of red wine on top of the drink.
Step 7: Optional: For a more dramatic effect, you can use the back of the spoon to gently swirl the red wine on top of the drink, creating a marbled effect.
Step 8: Garnish with a lemon twist, and your New York Sour is ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Making the Perfect New York Sour:
1. Use a small batch rye whiskey or bourbon for a more flavorful drink. These types of whiskey have more prominent spice notes that work well with the lemon and red wine.
2. When choosing a red wine to float on top of the drink, opt for a dry wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. Avoid using sweet or fruity wines, as they can overpower the drink.
3. Don't have a cocktail shaker? No problem! You can use a mason jar or any container with a tight lid to shake the drink.
4. For a more intense red wine float, you can use a bold red wine like Malbec or Zinfandel. This will add a deeper color and more robust flavor to the drink.
5. If you don't have a bar spoon, you can use the back of a regular spoon to layer the red wine on top of the drink. Just make sure to pour the wine slowly and gently.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I make a New York Sour without the egg white?
Absolutely! The egg white is an optional ingredient and can be skipped if you're not comfortable using it. The drink will still taste delicious without it.
2. Can I use a different type of whiskey in this recipe?
Yes, you can use bourbon instead of rye whiskey if that's your preference. The drink will have a slightly sweeter and smoother taste, but still delicious.
3. Can I use a different type of wine for the float?
While the traditional New York Sour calls for a dry red wine, you can experiment with other types of wine like white or rosé. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste and appearance of the drink.
4. Is the New York Sour only meant for special occasions?
Absolutely not! While it may have originated as a celebratory drink, the New York Sour can be enjoyed anytime and is perfect for any time of year.
The New York Sour is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most popular drinks in bars all over the world. With its beautiful layers and delicious taste, it's no wonder why it's a favorite among many. So next time you're looking for a great cocktail to enjoy, give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your bartending skills. Cheers!
A Classic New York Sour Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey or Bourbon
- 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 Raw Egg White (Optional)
- 1/2 oz Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon works best)
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon, 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Optionally, substitute simple syrup with maple syrup for a sweeter flavor.
- Optional: Add 1 raw egg white to the shaker for a frothy texture. Omit if desired.
- Dry shake the ingredients (without ice) for 10-15 seconds to create a frothy and silky texture.
- Add fresh ice to the shaker and shake again for 10 seconds to chill the drink.
- Double strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice to remove any ice bits or lemon pulp.
- Gently pour 1/2 oz of red wine over the back of a spoon onto the drink's surface to create a layered effect.
- Optional: Use the back of the spoon to swirl the red wine on top for a marbled effect.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
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