This New York Sour has a rich base of smooth bourbon, complemented by freshly squeezed lemon juice. This cocktail is truly distinctive, offering a delightful blend of complexity and visual appeal.

I can guarantee that this cocktail will provide you with a delightful experience of contrasting flavors. From the very first sip, the bold, rich notes will remain on your palate, reflecting the city’s vibrant spirit and perfectly combining classic elegance with a modern twist.
Though it was first made by a bartender in Chicago, but New York Sour perfectly captures New York City’s vibrant culture and its reinvention spirit.
I can confidently say that this drink makes for a delightful addition to any gathering and is truly a pleasure to enjoy. So go ahead, mix up this classic cocktail.
Equipment Required
- Cocktail Shaker: I recommend using this for a perfect blend.
- Rock Glass: I prefer using a rock glass; however, you can use any glass you prefer.
- Spoon: Use a spoon to easily pour your red wine into the cocktail mixture.
- Jigger: I prefer using this for precise measurements of whiskey and red wine.
- Strainer: Use a strainer to perfectly strain the cocktail after shaking.

New York Sour Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The amount of ingredients mentioned in this section are sufficient to make one glass of New York Sour.
- 2 Ounces Bourbon
- Ice cubes
- 1 Ounce Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed): You can also add in some orange juice or a mix of simple syrup and apple cider vinegar.
- 3/4 Ounce Simple Syrup: Try honey or agave nectar for a floral note, if you don’t want to use simple syrup.
- 1/2 Ounce Red Wine: I suggest using dry rose or fruit blend red wines for a softer blend of flavors.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Total Time |
|---|---|
| 5 Minutes | 5 Minutes |
How To Make New York Sour At Home

Step 1
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup, then shake vigorously until everything is mixed.

Step 2
Next, pour the drink into a glass. After that, gently pour the red wine over the back of a spoon to let it rest atop the cocktail.

Step 3
And that’s it! Your delightful New York Sour is now ready.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- Try infusing your simple syrup with herbs (like mint or basil) or spices (like cinnamon) for an extra layer of flavor.
- I also recommend adding a dash of flavored vinegar, such as balsamic or sherry vinegar, for a unique twist that balances sweetness with acidity.
- If you like experimenting with different types of wine in addition to standard red wine, try using a fruity Zinfandel or a rich Malbec for different flavor profiles.
- I would suggest garnishing with a fresh raspberry or a slice of blood orange for a unique citrusy, tart, and sweet flavor.
- To give the New York Sour a citrus and bitter flavor, add citrus bitters, a type of cocktail bitter.
FAQs About New York Sour
Nutritional Information Per Serving
New York Sour is a cocktail recipe that isn’t very healthy. Moreover, due to its slightly higher alcoholic content, it is best to enjoy this beverage in moderation or once in a while.
| Calories | 235 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.01 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.03 g |
| Sodium | 63 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Vitamin A | 7 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 13 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
This New York Sour cocktail recipe generally suits people who follow vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-fat diets.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Vegan Diet: If you want your New York Sour to be vegan friendly, just substitute red wine to vegan red wine like Frey Vineyards.
- Ketogenic and Low-Sugar Diets: To make this cocktail recipe keto-friendly and for people on low-sugar diets, use stevia in place of simple syrup to enjoy the cocktail.
Storing This Recipe
- In The Refrigerator: I always store my cocktail in the refrigerator and recommend you to do the same. To do so, transfer your cocktail to an airtight bottle, and then place it in the refrigerator, it will last upto 1 or 2 days because of the addition of egg white.
- In The Freezer: You can even freeze this cocktail by transferring it to an airtight bottle, and then place it in the freezer and it will last up to 1 month.
What To Serve With This Recipe
To enjoy a perfect backyard party with friends, I recommend some recipes that can be eaten with this New York Sour. Try it with Fish Tacos or Beef Sliders, as these serve as amazing sides.Â
To complete your weeknight dinners, drink this New York Sour after eating Chili Con Carne and Spaghetti Bolognese. This will create a satisfying meal.
Printable Version
New York Sour Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 Ounces Bourbon
- Ice cubes
- 1 Ounce Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3/4 Ounce Simple Syrup
- 1/2 Ounce Red Wine
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Rock Glass
- Spoon
- Jigger
- Strainer
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the whiskey, lemon juice, then shake vigorously until everything is mixed.
- Next, pour the drink into a glass. After that, gently pour the red wine over the back of a spoon to let it rest atop the cocktail.
- And that's it! Your delightful New York Sour is now ready.
Notes
- Try infusing your simple syrup with herbs (like mint or basil) or spices (like cinnamon) for an extra layer of flavor.
- I also recommend adding a dash of flavored vinegar, such as balsamic or sherry vinegar, for a unique twist that balances sweetness with acidity.
- If you like experimenting with different types of wine in addition to standard red wine, try using a fruity Zinfandel or a rich Malbec for different flavor profiles.
- I would suggest garnishing with a fresh raspberry or a slice of blood orange for a unique citrusy, tart, and sweet flavor.
- To give the New York Sour a citrus and bitter flavor, add citrus bitters, a type of cocktail bitter.
Nutrition
More Beverage Recipes That You Can Try






Conclusion
I recommend this elegant cocktail at your next gathering. As you pour the red wine with whiskey, creating that beautiful, distinct layer, your guests will be captivated by its visual appeal during your backyard parties.
The first sip reveals the harmonious blend of flavors: the robust whiskey, the refreshing citrus, and the smooth, slightly sweet red wine. Each component complements the other, creating a balanced and delightful drinking experience.



