New York Sour

Bon Appétit (April 2013)

Sometimes you want a cocktail to take the edge off.

Sometimes you want one in order to try a new ingredient, or a new kind of alcohol.

And sometimes you want a cocktail just 'cause it looks really freaking cool.

Enter: the New York Sour. 

The look of this cocktail is definitely why we gravitated to the New York Sour, a traditional whiskey sour topped with a red wine float. It's so gorgeous. To us, it's equal parts artisinal mixology and Jetsons camp. 

Bon App says the New York Sour dates to at least the 1880s, but it's gone by other names, including the "Continental Sour" or a "Southern Whiskey Sour." Whatever the name, it sure is pretty. Floating the red wine on the top (by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon) is a great party trick.

[Update: Several commenters and emailers have asked us whether we actually liked this drink. Answer? Yes, very much! The red wine adds a really nice depth to the whiskey sour, almost like a not-too-sweet sangria. It might not sound like it, but it's actually quite refreshing.]

The finished cocktail is a thing of beauty. You can say it looks like an ombre gemstone, or a pair of tinted aviators. Or you could say it looks like an amazing two-toned sunset.

Or you could just drink the thing.

 

 

New York Sour
Bon Appétit (April 2013)
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(This photo: Bon Appetit)

Note from Zach and Clay: We've tried this drink with both bourbon whiskey and rye. For what it's worth, we prefer this cocktail with bourbon whiskey. 

Combine 2 ounces rye or bourbon whiskey, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 1 ounce simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, cover, and shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Gently pour 1/2 ounce fruity red wine (such as Shiraz or Malbec) over the back of a spoon held just above the drink's surface so wine floats on top.