New York Sour

September 1, 2023

The New York Sour is a visually stunning and palate-pleasing cocktail that marries the rich depths of a classic Whiskey Sour with a vibrant layer of red wine. This intriguing blend of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup provides a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and oaky notes. The true spectacle lies in the "sour" being gently floated atop a velvety red wine float, creating a striking two-tone effect that's both elegant and inviting.

Photo: Taste Atlas

velvet   visual   voracious

  • • Glassware: Lowball glass

    • Tools: Cocktail shaker and strainer; spoon

    • Garnish: Red wine to float

    • Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

    • ABV: 20-25%

    • Updated: September 1, 2023

  • The base spirit, bourbon, brings a warm and oaky depth to the cocktail, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.

    Substitutions:

    • Rye Whiskey: Rye whiskey offers a spicier and slightly drier flavor compared to bourbon, which can add a unique twist to the cocktail.

    • Tennessee Whiskey: Tennessee whiskey, known for its smooth and mellow character, can be a delightful alternative to bourbon.

  • The citrusy brightness of fresh lemon juice adds a refreshing and tart element, essential to the Whiskey Sour base.

    Substitutions:

    • Fresh Lime Juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice. It provides a similar tartness and citrusy brightness, with a slightly different flavor profile.

  • Simple syrup provides sweetness, balancing the tartness of the lemon juice and creating a well-rounded cocktail.

    Substitutions:

    • Honey Syrup: Made by mixing equal parts honey and hot water, honey syrup can add a different sweetness profile to the cocktail with a subtle floral note.

    • Agave Nectar: Agave nectar is a natural sweetener with a mild, honey-like flavor. It can be used as an alternative to simple syrup.

  • The red wine float not only adds a visual spectacle but also contributes fruity and tannic notes, enriching the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.

    Substitutions:

    • Port Wine: Port wine can be used as a substitute for red wine. It adds a rich, fruity, and slightly fortified flavor that complements the cocktail well.

    • Marsala Wine: Marsala wine has a similar dark, rich character and can work as an alternative to red wine in this cocktail.

  • The addition of egg white gives the cocktail a creamy, frothy texture. It also adds a velvety mouthfeel and enhances the overall drinking experience.

    Substitutions:

    • Aquafaba: the liquid from a can of chickpeas, can be whipped to create a foam similar to egg whites. Use about 1 ounce of aquafaba as a substitute for the egg white in a New York Sour. Whip it until it forms soft peaks and then add it to your cocktail shaker.

Ingredients

  1. Add bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.

  2. Optional: Add 1/2 an egg white and dry shake the ingredients until frothy.

  3. Add ice and wet shake vigorously again until mixture is cold.

  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

  5. To create the wine float, gently pour the red wine over the back of a spoon so it rests on top of the cocktail.

Preparation

Dry-shaking is a technique that involves shaking ingredients such as egg whites and aquafaba without ice. This technique emulsifies the ingredients and creates a silky texture and frothy head. A second wet shake, with ice, chills and dilutes the drink.

Notes

crimson wine cascades,
bourbon's warmth meets lemon's zest,
New York's sour grace.

“The New York Sour is a sensory journey of contrasts. The initial sip reveals the bold warmth of bourbon, followed by the bright and zesty embrace of fresh lemon juice. The simple syrup adds a delicate sweetness that harmonizes the elements. What truly distinguishes this cocktail is the velvety cascade of red wine, creating a rich, vinous finish that elegantly marries with the citrus and bourbon. It's a symphony of flavors, each note playing its part in perfect harmony.

This cocktail is a captivating blend of textures and tastes. The smoothness of the bourbon, the zing of the lemon, and the gentle sweetness of the syrup create a beautifully balanced base. The wine float introduces a luxurious, almost velvety layer, transforming the drink into a multi-faceted experience. The New York Sour is a testament to the art of cocktail crafting, where every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to a masterpiece.”

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