Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic19.9% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Advancedblended drink
Why: 6 ingredients, blended drink, requires shaker, blender
Best for: Steak, BBQ, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerGarnish
- 2 ozBlended WhiskeyBase
- Juice of 1/2LemonCitrus
- 1 tspSugarSweetener
- (Claret)\nRed Wine
- to tasteLemonCitrus
- 1 garnishCherryGarnish
Tools:shakerblender
How to Make It
ShakeGarnish
- Shake blended whiskey, juice of lemon, and powdered sugar with ice and strain into a whiskey sour glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Float claret on top.
- Decorate with the half-slice of lemon and the cherry and serve.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritBourbon is sweeter with vanilla and caramel; rye is spicier and drier; Scotch adds smoke and malt. Each changes the character significantly — stay within the same family where possible.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a New York Sour?
- The New York Sour is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Whiskey Sour Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 19.9%. A standard serving contains approximately 220 calories.
- What does a New York Sour taste like?
- New York Sour has a flavour profile featuring Lemon, Citrus, Oak, Tart. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a New York Sour?
- New York Sour pairs well with Steak, BBQ, Cheese. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a New York Sour?
- The New York Sour has an ABV of approximately 19.9%. That's approximately 1.84 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 220 calories, 6.6g sugar, 10.9g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a New York Sour typically served?
- New York Sour is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a New York Sour?
- If you enjoy New York Sour, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a New York Sour at home?
- Yes. The New York Sour uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Whiskey Sour Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of New York Sour with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.