New York Sour Cocktail Recipe

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The New York Sour is a classic cocktail and very similar to the mid-19th century Whiskey Sour but adds a float of Dry Red Wine. 

When we asked Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan – Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador – about the New York Sour, he described it as “possibly one of the best cocktails ever invented.” With its stunning appearance – both elegant and enticing – and intricate flavors, it’s a drink that stands out in every way.

A New York Sour tastes like a Whiskey Sour but sweeter, combining the rich, slightly sweet and oh-so smooth flavors of Rye Whiskey balanced by the Lemon and Sugar but, unlike the Whiskey Sour, it’s then topped with fruity Claret Red Wine, which adds a whole other dimension. A truly wonderful drinking experience.

How to Make a New York Sour

What You’ll Need

• Paring Knife (to cut the Lemon)
• Citrus Elbow (or Citrus Press)
• Fine Mesh Strainer (for the Lemon Juice)
• Glass Jug
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Cocktail Shaker
• Cup or Glass (for the Egg Whites)
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Rocks Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Peeler (for the Lemon Zest Peel)

How to Mix

1. Cut a Lemon in half and use a Citrus Press to extract the juice into Cup or Glass.
2. Pour the Lemon Juice through a Fine Mesh Strainer to strain the Lemon Juice into a Glass Jug.
3. Use a Jigger to measure and pour the Lemon Juice into a Cocktail Shaker.
4. Measure and pour Rich Syrup into the Shaker, followed by Rye Whiskey.
5. Add a dash of Aromatic Bitters.
6. Crack an Egg and separate the Egg Whites from the Yolk into a Glass or Cup, then pour the Egg Whites into the Shaker.
7. Fill the Shaker with Ice Cubes and shake until chilled.
8. Place a Hawthorne Strainer over the Cocktail Shaker to strain out the Ice.
9. Place one large Ice piece into a Rocks Glass.
10. Shake again and pour the mixture directly into a Rocks Glass.
11. Use the back of a Bar Spoon to carefully pour Claret directly into the Glass to create a red layer on top.
12. Take a Peeler and peel a Lemon Zest Peel, then press the Peel over your drink to release the oils before placing it gently into your drink.
13. Sip and enjoy!

The History of The New York Sour

Like many classic cocktails, not a lot is known about the origins of this cocktail. However, it’s believed to have first been crafted in the 1880s by a bartender in Chicago. 

The first printed reference to the name “New York Sour” appeared in 1934. However, before adopting the name it has today, it was initially known as the Continental Sour, then Southern Whiskey Sour, Claret Snap and Brunswick Sour. Yes, it’s a drink of many names. It was eventually renamed the New York Sour, allegedly after a Manhattan bartender popularized it. 

Tips for Making a Perfect New York Sour

• Always add Egg Whites last
  When adding the ingredients to your Cocktail Shaker, always add the Egg Whites last. As Rico explains, once you’ve added the Lemon Juice, you don’t want the Eggs to start “cooking” sooner than desired.

• Reverse dry shake
  Rico prefers using a reverse dry shake to make a New York Sour. The reverse dry shake technique involves first shaking the cocktail ingredients with Ice, then straining out the Ice and shaking again, this time without Ice, This method is especially useful for drinks with Egg Whites, creating that wonderful frothy, velvety texture. 
  

 Variations of a New York Sour

• Whiskey Sour
  Technically speaking, the New York Sour is a variation of the Whiskey Sour, not the other way around. The Whiskey Sour is considered the Monarch of the Sours cocktail family, with a rich history and countless variations. But perhaps nothing beats the original. A classic cocktail to the highest degree. Discover how to make a classic Whiskey Sour.

• Stockholm Sour
  Imagine making a New York Sour but replacing the Rye Whiskey for Vodka. Well, Rico did, and he named it the Stockholm Sour. “With Absolut Vodka being the team player that it is, and born to mix, it makes all other flavors really, really stand out and the Claret Wine is really emphasized within this,” shares Rico. Learn how to make a Stockholm Sour.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a New York Sour

We recommend serving a New York Sour in a Rocks Glass with a single large Ice Block as it makes for a more elegant drinking experience. “It also means your drinks will stay colder and won’t dilute or become watery. The more (read: bigger) ice you have the more concentrated your drink,” says Rico.

As for the garnish, Lemon Zest is a must for sours and the New York Sour is no exception. Squeeze the oils from Lemon Peel over your drink and then place the Peel directly in your Glass.