If you’re looking for a new cocktail to try out at home that will not only please the bourbon and red wine lovers, but also look classy with an elegant presentation, then look no further than the New York Sour. We had the opportunity to visit Shoemakers American Grille and learn how to make this fun cocktail with their bartender, Renee Roland.
Meet Renee
Renee has been working as a bartender at Shoemaker’s for almost a year, but she has around 8 years of bartending experience. When asked what she liked most about bartending, she said,
“I like the fact that I get to meet people from all over the world, especially at this restaurant because we do have so many international clients that come in. You get to meet a bunch of different people, you still have the ability to build regulars, so I do see some of the same people every week. I have the ability to be creative, but mostly I get to be myself, so even for an upscale restaurant I don’t have to change myself because it is a bar. So no matter what, when people come in and sit down at a bar, they are coming in for a very specific kind of atmosphere.”
The New York Sour
Regarding the cocktail, she explained that the New York Sour is a traditional cocktail topped with merlot. Because the whiskey and merlot don’t inherently mix, you can present it as a layered beverage. This drink is also one that is customizable to whatever your specific tastes are.
“It’s all about what you want. You can put whatever bourbon in it, it doesn’t specify. Or whiskey, depending on what you like. And you can top it off with whatever red wine you prefer, depending on if you like a stronger flavor, like a more bold red wine or a lighter red wine. It’s up to you.”
When asked why she chose this drink to recreate for us, Renee explained that this drink appeals to most of her customers since neither the bourbon or red wine flavors overpower the other.
Renee prefers to use Bulleit Rye Whiskey and Achaval Ferrer Malbec when creating this drink at Shoemakers. “I like rye because rye’s a little bit sweeter, but then I like malbec because the finish of a malbec is a little more harsh to me than your cav’s or your merlot’s or pinot’s, and so I think that they balance each other out really well.” It’s up to your interpretation! Renee also explained that she makes the sour mix, so that changes the flavor due to the fresh juice, but you can still use store bought sour mix and make this sweet cocktail at home.
Here’s what you need:
1.5 ounces of Bulleit Rye Whiskey
2 ounces of fresh sour mix
Achaval Ferrer Malbec for a floater
Ice
Grab a rocks glass and fill it with ice. Then fill a shaker with ice, but if you don’t have a shaker you can add the following ingredients into a glass and then stir. Add 1.5 ounces of Bulleit Rye Whiskey into the shaker, followed by 2 ounces of sour mix.
Close up the shaker, shake the contents, then strain the mixture over the ice in your rocks glass, leaving about half an inch space from the top of the liquid to the top of the glass. Slowly top with Achaval Ferrer Malbec red wine to fill the glass. Serve with two cocktail straws to mix. When you’re ready to drink it, mix it all the way.
If you want a stronger sour, add more bourbon and less sour mix. If you want a sweeter drink, then just add simple syrup.
Try creating this drink to serve at your upcoming holiday get togethers and watch your friends’ faces light up as they are presented with this sleek looking cocktail. And don’t forget to stop by Shoemakers to meet Renee and have her create something she’ll know you’ll love!