Have you ever craved the sweet and sour punch of a classic cocktail but wished for an added touch of elegance? A hint of that tantalizingly rich, fruity character that makes a good red wine so delightful? Well, meet the New York Sour, your new favorite cocktail. To skip straight to it, you can watch the video below to guide you through making the perfect New York Sour!
The Origin of the New York Sour
The New York Sour, as you might suspect from its name, hails from the buzzing metropolis of New York. This vibrant city, known for its knack for reinvention, left its stamp on the classic whiskey sour in the 19th century, creating what we know today as the New York Sour.
Unveiling the Whiskey Sour and the New York Sour
Before we get our hands dirty—or rather, our glasses filled—let's clear up a common query: the difference between a whiskey sour and a New York Sour. The answer is as simple as it is delicious: it's all about the wine. A whiskey sour is a combination of whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. The New York Sour is identical, save for one key addition—a float of red wine on top. This gives the drink an extra depth of flavor and a stunning visual effect.
The Recipe: How to Make a New York Sour “Brooklyn S&S”
New York Sour Ingredients:
- 1.75 oz rye whiskey
- .25 oz Amaretto
- 1 oz lemon juice (.75 for less sour)
- ¾ oz Pope's orange vanilla syrup (or Simple Syrup)
- 1 egg white
- ½ oz Graham + Fisk's red wine float
New York Sour Procedure:
- Crack an egg and separate the white. Add it to the shaker. This creates a frothy texture that makes every sip a delight.
- Squeeze in 1 oz of fresh lemon juice. For those who prefer less tang, you can reduce this to .75 oz.
- Next, introduce ¾ oz of Pope's orange vanilla syrup, or simple syrup. This replaces the traditional simple syrup, adding layers of citrusy sweetness.
- Start with the rye whiskey. Pour 1.75 oz into your cocktail shaker.
- Add the Amaretto, an almond liqueur that lends our New York Sour a hint of nuttiness.
- Fill your shaker with a generous amount of ice.
- Shake everything vigorously. You're looking for a good blend of the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into your favorite cocktail glass.
- Finally, the pièce de résistance: float ½ oz of Graham + Fisk's red wine on top. Pour gently over the back of a spoon to get that layered effect.
Voilà! There you have your very own New York Sour “Brooklyn S&S.”
Garnishing Your New York Sour
When it comes to garnishing your New York Sour, tradition calls for a cherry and an orange slice. But don't let that limit you! Feel free to get creative—after all, you're the one enjoying it.
Choosing the Right Whiskey
The best whiskey for a New York Sour? Rye whiskey. Its spiciness plays well with the sweetness of the other ingredients, creating a balanced, full-bodied cocktail.
The Simple Syrup Swap
Simple syrup is a staple in many cocktails, but in our version, we've swapped it for Pope's orange vanilla syrup. If you can't find this syrup, you could substitute it with a homemade orange vanilla simple syrup or any fruity syrup that complements the cocktail's flavors.
Whiskey or Bourbon in a New York Sour: The Great Debate
In the cocktail world, there's a constant debate: is whiskey or bourbon better in a New York Sour? It's all about preference, really. Bourbon will give you a smoother, sweeter cocktail, while rye whiskey—a type of whiskey—adds spice and complexity. For our "Brooklyn S&S," we've opted for rye, but don't hesitate to switch it up and make this cocktail your own.
Why is it Called a New York Sour?
It's believed that the New York Sour got its name due to its birthplace—likely a bar in New York in the 1870s. The bartenders there, always on the hunt for something new and exciting, began floating red wine on their whiskey sours, and thus the New York Sour was born.
Making the Perfect New York Sour with Graham + Fisk's Wine-In-A-Can
Now we're getting to the fun part. Our secret ingredient, Graham + Fisk's Wine-In-A-Can, truly elevates this New York Sour. The canned red wine lends the bold flavors of a robust wine, adding depth and nuance to the cocktail. With its convenience and quality, Graham + Fisk's Wine-In-A-Can ensures you get the perfect wine float every time.
Now, the best part: time to enjoy your creation. Take a moment to admire the layers before stirring gently. Each sip should bring a symphony of flavors—the sweet and tangy cocktail, the rich egg white foam, and the deep, fruity notes of the Graham + Fisk's red wine float.
New York Sour Pairing Ideas
The New York Sour "Brooklyn S&S" pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Its sweet and sour profile complements spicy foods excellently. Alternatively, serve it alongside a charcuterie board—the creamy cheeses and rich meats play off the cocktail's complexities perfectly.
Wrapping Up: Crafting the Perfect New York Sour
As we've seen, making the perfect New York Sour involves a lot more than just mixing a few ingredients. It's about creating a harmony of flavors, a balance of sweetness and sourness, all topped off with the richness of a good red wine.
Crafting the perfect New York Sour "Brooklyn S&S" isn't just about the result—it's about the journey. So go ahead, play with the recipe, make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process!
With this guide and your trusty can of Graham + Fisk's red wine, you're well on your way to cocktail mastery. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get mixing!
There you have it, your comprehensive guide to the New York Sour "Brooklyn S&S," a delightful concoction of flavors that promises to be a hit at any gathering. Remember, the key to a great cocktail lies not just in the ingredients but in the love and care you put into making it. So pour your heart into it, and the results will speak for themselves. Now, it's your turn to step behind the bar and create your version of this classic cocktail. Cheers to you, and happy mixing!
Remember, a good cocktail is like a symphony: each ingredient a different instrument, each note a different flavor. And the conductor? That's you, armed with your shaker and your can of Graham + Fisk's Wine-In-A-Can. And remember: if at first, you don't succeed, there's always another cocktail waiting to be shaken or stirred.
