Skip to main content
  • Brands
  • Recipes
  • Experiences
  • Inspiration
  • Products
  • Home/
  • Recipes/
  • New York Sour Cocktail

New York Sour Cocktail

Whisky
Author: The Bar Team
New York Sour
Ingredients
Method

The New York sour, also known as the continental sour cocktail, gained popularity as a variation of a classic whisky sour. What sets the concoction apart is its striking two-tone appearance and layered flavour structure, achieved without increasing complexity in preparation. Its distinctive aesthetic and balanced profile make it an ideal choice for curated cocktail menus at events and gatherings. Additionally, the cocktail uses familiar components that make the drink flexible to replicate at home without much effort and professional prep or tools.

What you’ll need

Ingredients

Serves:
1
  • Whisky
    30ml
  • Fresh lemon juice
    20ml
  • Sugar syrup
    15ml
  • Red wine, to float
    10ml
  • Lemon slice, for garnish
    1

Equipment

  • Rocks glass
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger

Method

Step 1

Add whisky, fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Step 2

Shake the mixture well until it is properly chilled and combined before straining the liquid into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.

Step 3

Slowly pour red wine over the back of a spoon to float it gently on top.

Step 4

Garnish with a lemon slice placed on the edge of the glass.

Tips & Suggestions

  • Use a wine pipette or dropper to float the red wine since it offers greater control, precision and clean layering.

  • If the wine layer starts to mix into the base, let the drink sit undisturbed for a minute to allow separation to occur.

You may also like

A glass of iced amber-colored cocktail garnished with fresh mint and a slice of dried fruit, placed on a coaster on a marble table.
Whisky Smash Cocktail
Whisky
A glass of iced drink with a lemon wedge, a spoon, a bottle of clear liquid, and lemon slices on a dark round tray.
Whisky And Tonic Cocktail
Whisky
A glass of iced whiskey cocktail garnished with a lime wedge, surrounded by bottles of liquor, lime halves, and a metal jigger on a cloth surface.
Johnnie Ginger Cocktail
Whisky
A whiskey sour cocktail with a frothy top is garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a lemon slice, served in a patterned glass on a wooden surface.
Whisky Sour Cocktail
Whisky
A glass of dark iced cocktail garnished with a lime slice and cherry on a cocktail pick, placed on a gold coaster with a lime and bar tools nearby.
J&B Rare Cola Twist Cocktail
The Scotch Whisky Cola Twist cocktail blends Scotch whisky with chilled cola and a citrus peel garnish. Served over ice, it offers a simple mix of smokiness, sweetness, and brightness.
Whisky
A glass of whiskey with ice sits on a dark wooden surface against a dimly lit background.
J&B Classic Cocktail
This is one of the easiest blended scotch whisky-based cocktails to make, which has a spicy, sweet and light note along with effervescence from cola.
Whisky

FAQs

Yes, speared ice can be added to a New York Sour cocktail as it helps slow down dilution and supports the layered presentation by maintaining a stable, upright structure within the glass.

No, a standard New York sour does not include foam; however, some variations may use egg white in the base for a foamy texture, though it is not part of the classic version.

Yes, the New York sour can be smoked using a smoking gun or by adding smoked elements like wood chips for a unique aromatic layer without altering the core composition.

More from The Bar

Elegant cocktail with a dried citrus garnish on a wooden table in warm lighting
Smiling person enjoying a cocktail outdoors in bright lighting
Smiling person enjoying a cocktail outdoors in bright lighting

Stay Inspired

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive recipes, insider secrets and special offers - all delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Brands
  • Recipes
  • Experiences
  • Inspiration
  • Products
Country
Country
  • About Us
Facebook logoInstagram
Drink responsibly This content is intended for audience above legal drinking age as specified by their state/country of residence. Enjoy & Share Responsibly.