The New York Sour Cocktail takes the whiskey sour and adds a dramatic float of red wine—creating one of the most eye-catching, flavor-layered drinks ever made. It's old-school class with modern edge. In Los Angeles, it's become a favorite at high-concept bars, rooftop lounges, and events where presentation matters just as much as taste.
From Downtown LA speakeasies to Highland Park dinner parties, The New York Sour Cocktail brings big-city swagger with a twist.
Ingredients For (One Serving)
- 2 oz Rye or Bourbon Whiskey
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
- ½ oz Dry Red Wine (like Malbec, Shiraz, or Cabernet)
- Garnish: Lemon wheel or orange peel
- Glass: Rocks glass
- Ice: Large cube or cubed
LA Local Tip: We use organic lemons from SoCal farms and float bold reds from LA-area wine shops. Want a local edge? Party Shakers offers a "Cali Red Float" using natural wines from Santa Barbara or Baja.
How to Make a New York Sour – LA Flair Edition
1. Shake the whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup with ice.
Get that bright, citrusy backbone just right.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Clean and cold. - Gently float the red wine on top.
Use the back of a spoon to pour slowly—watch the color cascade. - Garnish with a lemon wheel or peel.
A pop of color finishes the drama.
Why the New York Sour Is Having a Moment in LA
It's moody, sophisticated, and incredibly photogenic. It's showing up at:
- Intimate jazz nights in Culver City
- Upscale home bars in Studio City
- Artistic pop-ups in Echo Park
- Sunset events in the Hollywood Hills
Pairs perfectly with charcuterie, grilled meats, and smoky appetizers.
FAQs
Is the wine float just for looks?
Not at all. It adds depth, dryness, and a little tannic complexity. It's what separates this from a basic whiskey sour.
What kind of wine works best?
Go bold—Malbec, Shiraz, or any medium-bodied red. We avoid sweet reds unless requested.
Can it be batched?
Absolutely. We pre-batch the base and float wine per glass at your event for maximum visual impact.
Book the New York Sour – East Coast Sophistication with LA Soul
If you want a cocktail that turns heads and keeps guests sipping, the New York Sour delivers drama, flavor, and elegance in every glass. You can try other drinks too.
✅ Served across Los Angeles: Silver Lake, Culver City, Hollywood, West LA
✅ Red wine float for dramatic presentation
✅ Perfect for weddings, upscale dinners, and artistic events
✅ Delivered by expert Party Shakers who love to educate and entertain
Book Party Shakers – Float the Night Away with the New York Sour