New York Stone Sour
A fruity and sour whiskey cocktail ∙ Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 15.6% ABV ∙
The New York Stone Sour is a bourbon whiskey sour made with apricot brandy liqueur, citrus, and sugar syrup, topped with a red wine float.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake the first 5 ingredients with ice: Bourbon 45 mlApricot brandy liqueur 15 mlLemon juice 20 mlOrange juice 15 mlSugar syrup 10 ml
- Strain into the ice-filled glass (preferably over a chunk of block ice)
- Float Red wine 15 ml on the surface of the cocktail
- Garnish with an apricot wedge
Tips
- Pour the red wine slowly over the back of a bar spoon so it floats on the surface instead of sinking into the drink.
History
The New York Stone Sour is a modern riff on a recipe credited to American bartender Julie Reiner, who added orange juice to the classic New York Sour formula; this version also adds apricot liqueur. Cocktail historian David Wondrich has noted that the orange juice addition is what makes the drink work, tying it to the older "Stone Sour" style of whiskey sour finished with orange juice, a variant first documented in the early 20th century.
The New York Sour itself, a whiskey sour with a red wine float, is generally traced to Chicago bartenders of the 1880s, who served it under names such as Continental Sour and Brunswick Sour before the New York Sour name took hold. The New York Stone Sour keeps that red wine float, while its orange juice and apricot liqueur give the whiskey sour a fruitier, softer profile.
FAQ
What is a stone sour cocktail?
A stone sour is a sour with orange juice added to the usual citrus and sweetener. This New York Stone Sour also adds apricot brandy liqueur and finishes with a red wine float.
What is a New York Sour cocktail?
A New York Sour is a whiskey sour finished with a red wine float, giving the drink a dry, fruity cap over its citrus and sweetness. This version adds orange juice and apricot brandy liqueur before the wine is floated on top.
What liquor is in a New York Sour?
Bourbon is the spirit. This version adds apricot brandy liqueur, and red wine is floated on top.
Is a New York Sour hard to make?
No. It is a standard sour plus one extra step. After shaking and straining over block ice, float the red wine by pouring it slowly over the back of a bar spoon.
Are you supposed to mix a New York Sour?
You don't have to. It is served with the wine floating on top; stir it in for a more even taste, or sip through it and let the layers mix on their own. Either way is common.
