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The Mysterious Origins of the New York Sour Cocktail
The New York Sour cocktail is a visually stunning drink that combines layers of flavors, incorporating red wine and lemon juice to create a unique and refreshing taste. With its blend of whiskey, sugar syrup, Angostura bitters, and sometimes egg whites, the New York Sour offers a twist on the classic whiskey sour. While it has gained popularity in recent years, the exact origins of this cocktail remain shrouded in mystery.
Unraveling the origins
Despite its name, the New York Sour is believed to have originated in Chicago in the 1880s. Over the years, it has been known by various names, including the Southern Whisky Sour, the Continental Sour, the Claret Snap, and the Brunswick Sour. However, it wasn’t until the cocktail gained popularity in New York City that it acquired its current name.
By the time the New York Sour arrived on the scene, sours in general had become popular across America. The invention of sours can be traced back to the British Navy, which developed a mixture of Caribbean rum and lime to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Lime played a crucial role in fighting the disease.
Upon their return to England, members of the navy shared their concoctions with the locals, leading to the establishment of punch houses. These punch houses quickly became social centers for middle-class English men to gather and enjoy their favorite beverages.
The Whisky Sour Connection
The Whisky Sour, a close relative of the New York Sour, was first documented in Jerry Thomas’ “The Bartender’s Guide” in 1862. Whisky sours share many similarities with New York sours, with the primary difference being the addition of red wine as a garnish. While it is believed that the New York Sour was created by the same bartender who invented the Manhattan, this claim remains unverified.
Today, the New York Sour has gained immense popularity due to its visually appealing presentation, making it an ideal drink to share on social media. The combination of the rich amber color of the whiskey, the vibrant red wine layer, and the tartness of the lemon juice creates a visually stunning and delicious cocktail experience.
How to make a New York Sour
If you’re intrigued by the mysterious origins of the New York Sour cocktail and want to recreate it at home, here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 0.5 ounce red wine (preferably a dry red)
- Angostura bitters (optional)
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, pour the whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Add ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Using the back of a spoon, gently pour the red wine onto the surface of the drink to create a layered effect.
- If desired, add a few dashes of Angostura bitters on top for added complexity.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade New York Sour!
Experiment with different whiskeys, wines and garnishes to customize your New York Sour and discover your favorite twist on this classic cocktail.
The Bottom Line
The New York Sour cocktail remains a tantalizing mystery when it comes to its origins. Despite its name, it is believed to have originated in Chicago and eventually made its way to New York City, where it gained popularity and its iconic name. This visually stunning drink pays homage to the long-standing tradition of sours, which originated in the British Navy as a way to combat scurvy. The New York Sour continues to captivate cocktail enthusiasts with its harmonious blend of flavors and eye-catching appearance. So why not try your hand at making a New York Sour and get a taste of history with every sip?
FAQS
What is a New York Sour cocktail?
The New York Sour cocktail is a visually striking drink made with whiskey, lemon juice, sugar syrup and red wine. It offers a unique twist on the classic whiskey sour, with the addition of red wine creating a layered and flavorful experience.
Where did the New York Sour cocktail originate?
Despite its name, the New York Sour cocktail is believed to have originated in Chicago in the 1880s. Known by various names over the years, it took on its current name when it became popular in New York City.
What are the main ingredients in a New York Sour cocktail?
The main ingredients of a New York Sour cocktail are whiskey (usually bourbon or rye), lemon juice, sugar syrup, and red wine. Some variations may also include egg whites and a dash of Angostura bitters for added complexity.
How did sours influence the creation of the New York Sour cocktail?
Sours, including the Whisky Sour, played an important role in the development of the New York Sour cocktail. Sours can be traced back to the British Navy, who mixed Caribbean rum and lime to prevent scurvy. These concoctions eventually made their way to England, leading to the establishment of punch houses and the subsequent creation of various sour-based cocktails.
Who invented the New York Sour?
The exact inventor of the New York Sour cocktail remains unknown and unverified. However, it is believed to have been created by a bartender in Chicago, possibly the same person who created the Manhattan cocktail.
How can I make a New York Sour cocktail at home?
To make a New York Sour cocktail at home, you will need bourbon or rye whiskey, lemon juice, sugar syrup, red wine, and optional Angostura bitters. Mix the whiskey, lemon juice, and corn syrup with ice in a shaker. Strain the mixture into an ice-filled glass and gently pour the red wine over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. Add a few dashes of bitters if desired and garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.