BHA & BHT Free New York Sour

Total time5 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time0 min

4.5

(30)

This classic cocktail gets a striking makeover with a deep red wine float that sits like a sunset above the frothy, citrus-kissed base. The combination of rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup hits that perfect sweet-tart balance, while the egg white shake gives it a silky, cloud-like foam that feels genuinely luxurious. Avoiding BHA and BHT can be trickier than it sounds with bottled cocktail mixes and pre-made sour blends, which often sneak in synthetic preservatives — making this from-scratch approach a smart and satisfying workaround. Every ingredient here is straightforward and clean: fresh-squeezed lemon, a quality rye, and a dry red wine like Malbec or Shiraz that you'd be happy to sip on its own. The two-tone pour is a showstopper technique that looks far more difficult than it actually is — a steady hand and the back of a spoon are all you need. Whether you're mixing for a dinner party or just treating yourself on a Friday night, this is the kind of cocktail that makes you feel like you really know what you're doing behind the bar.

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Ingredients

1 serving

2 oz rye whiskey
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz simple syrup
1 pasteurized egg white
1 oz dry red wine (such as malbec or shiraz)

For serving

1 luxardo maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)
1 lemon half-wheel or twist, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1
Combine the rye whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and pasteurized egg white in a cocktail shaker without ice. Seal and shake vigorously for 15 seconds, until the mixture is frothy and slightly opaque.
2
Add a large handful of ice to the shaker. Seal and shake again for 10–12 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is very cold to the touch.

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