New York Sour

This New York Sour recipe is perfect for fans of sour cocktails! It’s made with Sour Mix, whiskey, a twist of orange, and a layer of red wine that floats on top!

  • Prep5 min
  • Total5 min
  • Yield1 drink
  • Calories289

Ingredients Steps Notes

New York Sour
Close up photo of a New York Sour Cocktail on a blue napkin with a lemon next to it.

A Fun Layered Cocktail

The New York Sour Cocktail is as beautiful as it is delicious! A cross between a Whiskey Sour and a glass of red wine, this unexpected mixed drink offers the best of both worlds.

New York Sour Ingredients

  • Whiskey – You can use either rye or bourbon whiskey, but not Irish whiskey.
  • Sour mix – My homemade Sour Mix is perfect for this!
  • Red wine – Fruity red wine works best – use your favorite!
  • Orange peel – To twist over the drink for a hint of orange flavor.
  • Maraschino cherry – For garnish.
  • Ice – First, fill the shaker with ice, then you’ll need fresh ice to serve your drinks.

How To Make A New York Sour

  1. Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice, then pour in the bourbon whiskey.
  2. Add the Sour Mix to the shaker.
  3. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  4. Pour red wine over the back of a spoon into the glass to create that pretty layer effect.
step by step photo collage showing how to make a New York Sour.

Why is it called a New York Sour?

Although it’s thought to have originated in Chicago in the 1880s, it went through several name changes. “New York Sour” eventually stuck, thanks to the popularity it gained from a Manhattan bartender.

How does the red wine float?

1. Since the base of this drink contains sugar, it’s denser, so the red wine floats on top. (Therefore, sugar is an essential ingredient in this drink.)
2. It also involves a little technique. With a spoon held above the glass, gently pour the wine so it doesn’t mix with the liquid below.

Close up photo of a New York Sour drink.

More Delicious Cocktail Recipes To Sip On!

Steps

  1. In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add the bourbon and sour mix. Cover and shake vigourously for 10 seconds.

  2. Strain into an old fashioned glass filled 1/2 way with ice.

  3. Pour red wine over the back of a spoon to create a layer on the top of the drink.

  4. Take the orange peel and twist it over the top of the drink so that the mist from the peel goes over the drink.

  5. Garnish with the orange peel and cherry.

Notes

  • If you don't have sour mix on hand for this recipe you can use 1 ounce of simple syrup and a tablespoon of each fresh lime juice and fresh lemon juice. The sugar cannot be omitted since it has a higher density and it's what helps support the red wine floater. I highly recommend making my homemade sour mix.
  • Rye whiskey may also be used for this recipe, but not Irish whiskey.
  • Eggwhite Addition: Add all the ingredients, including the egg white, into a shaker WITHOUT ice (known as a “dry shake.”) Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Then, fill halfway with ice and shake until chilled.

Nutrition

  • Calories289
  • Carbs37g
  • Protein1g
  • Fat1g
  • Fiber1g
  • Sugar33g
  • Sodium27mg

Estimates per serving, when a serving size is listed.