Sour cocktails give us some of the most delicious blends in the cocktail world. Though there are many to choose from, there’s something unique about the New York Sour on all levels.
Let’s demystify the recipe and teach you how to mix a proper New York Sour cocktail you and your friends will love!
Classic New York Sour Recipe
The New York Sour (sometimes called the Continental Sour) is a play on the classic Whiskey Sour drink, only slightly more elevated.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ounces of rye whiskey
- 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 ounces of simple syrup
- 12 ounces of red wine
- Optional: 1 egg white
Once you gather all your ingredients, follow these steps:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add the egg white if you’re using it.
- Dry shake for around 30 seconds. Add ice afterward.
- Shake again for 15 more seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a glass with fresh ice.
- Take a bar spoon and pour the red wine over its back (this is done so that the wine floats on top of the cocktail).
Egg Whites in Cocktails: Seriously?
Whiskey sours with egg white foam have a silky texture that brings the entire cocktail together. To get this effect, you first need to dry shake the egg whites with the other ingredients (sans the wine), then wet shake the cocktail again.
Still, some people might not be crazy about drinking egg foam, and that’s understandable. You can skip it and still get a great New York sour, but we do recommend trying it with eggs at least once!
Calories and Alcohol Content
The New York Sour is slightly more calorie-heavy than the Whiskey Sour, with around 190 calories for one serving.
It’s also a moderate drink with a 16% ABV, making it only a bit stronger than if you were to enjoy a glass of wine by itself.
How to Serve a New York Sour
Sour cocktails always make an impression on the taste buds, but here’s how you can elevate the experience further:
- Use fruity red wine: Many recipes call for dry red wine, but a fruitier blend can bring more depth to this cocktail.
- Use fresh eggs: If you want that classic egg white foam, then you need to buy a fresh bunch to make sure to get this effect.
- Don’t make it overly sweet: Whether it’s the traditional Whiskey Sour or the New York counterpart, try to adjust the lemon juice and simple syrup levels to get a sour profile.
- Use fresh lemon juice. Store-bought will contain sugars, which affect the taste of the cocktail and can increase its calorie count.
- Pair with sweet desserts: The New York Sour is the perfect companion to really sweet desserts like chocolate cake.
Recipe Variations and Ingredient Swaps
After you try this whiskey cocktail as-is, here are some other great recipes to try (other than the whiskey sour):
- Red wine float: Mix vanilla ice cream, dry red wine, some club soda, and some cherries to get a delicious red wine float dessert (for adults only).
- Bourbon NY Sour: Swap the rye for bourbon whiskey to get an equally refreshing cocktail.
- Pisco Sour: Use Pisco, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and garnish with a few dashes of Angostura bitters. The egg white is optional.
- Maple syrup: Make your cocktail more vibrant with subtle maple notes that pair well with the lemon.
Conclusion
The New York Sour might have a slightly longer prep time than other cocktails, but its signature taste and silky-smooth texture are worth it.
Try mixing it today, preferably with the foamy finish on top, and enjoy!
