New York Cocktail Recipe

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New York Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The New York Cocktail has its origins in the early 20th century, when bartenders in New York City were looking for a drink that captured the essence of the city. It became popular among the city's elite and was often served at high-end parties and gatherings. The drink is said to be favored by those who appreciate a strong, bold cocktail with a touch of sweetness.

  • The New York Cocktail was created in the early 1900s
  • It was popular among New York City's elite
  • The drink is favored by those who enjoy strong, bold flavors

How New York Tastes?

The New York Cocktail has a strong, bold taste with a hint of sweetness. The combination of whiskey, lemon juice, and grenadine creates a balanced flavor profile that is both sour and sweet. The drink is also slightly fruity, with a warming sensation from the whiskey.

Interesting facts about New York

  • The New York Cocktail is sometimes called the 'Manhattan's cousin' due to its similar ingredients and origin
  • The drink was originally made with rye whiskey, but can also be made with bourbon or Canadian whiskey
  • The New York Cocktail is often garnished with a cherry or lemon twist

Ingredients

Whiskey

Whiskey is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a delicious base and warmth. 2 oz is just enough to assert its presence without overpowering. Less whiskey could make your drink a tad weak, while more might knock the subtler flavors off the map. Missing it? Try bourbon for a sweeter twist or Scotch for a smoky turn.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

At 0.75 oz, lemon juice brings the perfect tart contrast to the sweetness in your glass. Too little and the cocktail is cloying; too much and you’re sucking lemons. Forget the lemon? Lime juice could play pinch hitter; just expect a sharper, more tropical-zing.

Alex Green

Grenadine

0.5 oz grenadine isn't just there for a rosy hue; it offers a sweet, pomegranate kiss. Skip it and lose some sweetness and that classic New York pink. Switch it out for raspberry syrup if you're wild at heart and crave a different fruity note.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

Ah, 0.25 oz simple syrup to finesse the balance. It’s like adding that tiny pinch of salt to a recipe—it’s a small amount, but oh, how you’d miss it! Without it, the drink could tip into tartness. Want to jazz it up? Use honey syrup for a richer, more nuanced sweetness.

Emma Rose

Cherry or Lemon Twist

Finally, the garnish—a single cherry or lemon twist. It's not just eye candy; it adds a final aromatic flourish or fruity bite. Skip it, and your cocktail is like Sinatra without his fedora—not quite complete. No cherry? Try an orange twist for an extra dash of citrus aroma.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make New York Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, grenadine, and simple syrup
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
  5. Garnish with a cherry or lemon twist

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
  • Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cold longer
  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Charcuterie Board: The saltiness of cured meats accentuates the sweet and spicy notes of the whiskey while contrasting the tartness of the lemon juice.
  • Fried Calamari: The crispiness of the squid pairs harmoniously with the citrus notes, while the cocktail’s sweetness can cut through any heavier sauces.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Steak: A classic combination, as the robust flavors of the meat are complemented by the whiskey's depth and the cocktail's acidity.
  • Roast Chicken: The lemon and grenadine can bring forward the chicken's natural flavors while adding a sweet and tangy profile.

Desserts

  • New York Cheesecake: The richness of the cheesecake is balanced by the cocktail’s acidity and sweetness.
  • Chocolate Fondue: The bright, sweet notes of the cocktail can cut through the richness of the chocolate.

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What you could change in New York

  • Whiskey: You can use bourbon or Canadian whiskey instead of rye whiskey
  • Grenadine: If you don't have grenadine, you can use a cherry syrup or a raspberry syrup
  • Simple syrup: You can use honey or agave nectar as a substitute

Explore all drinks starting with N here

And of course - twists🍹

Rye and Ginger

Swap the whiskey for rye and the simple syrup for ginger syrup. This will add a spicy and somewhat dry bite, shaking up the New York cocktail into a more daring territory.

  • 2 oz Rye Whiskey
  • 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
  • 0.5 oz Grenadine
  • 0.25 oz Ginger Syrup Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Empire Apple

Introduce a taste of the Big Apple by using apple whiskey or adding a splash of apple brandy. Replace grenadine with maple syrup for a uniquely autumnal New York experience.

  • 2 oz Apple Whiskey or Whiskey with a Splash of Apple Brandy
  • 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
  • 0.5 oz Maple Syrup Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnished with a crisp apple slice.

The New York Sour

Float a layer of red wine on top of your traditional New York cocktail to create a sophisticated sour variant. The wine adds depth and a delightful complexity.

  • 2 oz Whiskey
  • 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
  • 0.5 oz Grenadine
  • 0.25 oz Simple Syrup Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass, then gently pour 0.5 oz of a bold red wine over the back of a spoon so it rests on top. Garnish with a cherry.

In case you forgot basics how to make New York

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on New York

What's the best type of whiskey to use for a New York Cocktail?

While rye whiskey is traditional, using a high-quality bourbon or a Canadian whiskey can also yield good results. It's subjective and depends largely on your personal taste preferences.

How important is it to use fresh lemon juice in this recipe?

Using fresh lemon juice can really raise the profile of your New York Cocktail by delivering a crisp, zesty flavor that simply cannot be achieved by using bottled lemon juice.

Is it possible to make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Yes, it is. For a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the whiskey with apple juice or non-alcoholic apple cider. Also, replace the simple syrup with vanilla syrup to give it extra depth.

Are there other garnish options I can try out with the New York Cocktail?

Absolutely! While traditionally garnished with a cherry or a lemon twist, you can experiment with other garnishes like a slice of orange, grapefruit peel, or even a slice of pineapple for a tropical twist.

What is the significance of shaking the ingredients in a cocktail shaker?

Shaking the cocktail helps to mix the ingredients thoroughly and gives the drink a nice, frothy texture. It also helps chill the drink quickly.

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