New Yorker Cocktail Recipe

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New Yorker Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:25%

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 Yorker cocktail is a classic whiskey-based drink that originated in the 1930s in New York City. It has been a popular choice among whiskey enthusiasts and those who appreciate a well-balanced cocktail. The New Yorker is often enjoyed by those who appreciate the history and culture of New York City, as well as fans of classic cocktails.

  • The New Yorker was first mentioned in a 1935 bartending guide
  • It is believed to have been created in one of New York City's speakeasies during Prohibition
  • The cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks to the revival of classic cocktails

How New Yorker Tastes?

The New Yorker cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The whiskey provides a strong, robust base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing, tangy element. The grenadine and simple syrup contribute a subtle sweetness, and the bitters round out the flavor profile with a touch of bitterness.

Interesting facts about New Yorker

  • The New Yorker is sometimes referred to as a 'Whiskey Sour with a twist' due to its similarities in taste and ingredients
  • The cocktail is traditionally served in a chilled coupe glass, which is said to enhance the drinking experience
  • The New Yorker is often garnished with a lemon twist or cherry, adding a touch of elegance and visual appeal

Ingredients

Whiskey

  • Whiskey: The soul of the cocktail - 2oz is just enough to establish a robust base without knocking you off your feet. It brings warmth and depth. Without it, well, it wouldn't be a 'New Yorker' anymore, would it? If you decide to switch it up, try a rye for a spicier kick.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

  • Lemon Juice: This is the zesty jazz in our symphony - 0.75oz provides a bright acidity that cuts through the whiskey. Dial it down, and the drink becomes a muddled mess; too much, and you'll pucker more than kiss. No alternative for fresh - bottled juice is the flat note in our melody.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

  • Simple Syrup: The sweet whisper - 0.5oz just to take the edge off. It’s the mediator between all flavors. Skip this, and the cocktail loses its balance, like a tightrope walker in a gust of wind. Honey could sub in but expect a richer, earthier undertone.

Emma Rose

Grenadine

  • Grenadine: The quiet one in the corner - 0.25oz to add a hint of sweetness and a blush of color. Leave it out, and the drink loses its panache - like a suit without a tie. Pomegranate juice could step in, albeit with less sweetness and more tartness.

Mary Mitkina

Angostura Bitters

  • Angostura Bitters: The spice of life here - 2 dashes to add complexity and tie all the flavors together. Without its herbal undertones, the drink is like a sentence without punctuation confusing. There's room for play - orange bitters could offer a citrusy twist.

Alex Green

Lemon Twist

  • Lemon Twist: The aromatic garnish that greets your nose with every sip. Without this, the drink's first impression is as lackluster as a handshake without eye contact.

Emma Rose

Maraschino Cherry

  • Maraschino Cherry: The cherry on top - because who doesn’t love a good cliché? It’s not just eye-candy; it adds a sweet finish that lingers, like a proper goodbye. You could swap for a brandied cherry for a more boozy kick.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make New Yorker Drink

  1. Chill the coupe glass by filling it with ice and water, then set aside
  2. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker: add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, grenadine, and Angostura bitters
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
  4. Empty the coupe glass and strain the cocktail into it
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher flavor
  • Shake vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well combined
  • Use high-quality whiskey for the best flavor

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese platters with sharp cheddar and gouda to complement the whiskey's complexity
  • Savory pastries, like sausage rolls or mini quiches, to pair with the citrus notes
  • Smoked almonds or nuts for a rich texture and flavor that stands up to the bold whiskey

Main Courses

  • Grilled steak or roast beef to echo the robust profile of the cocktail
  • Barbecue chicken, where the smoky sweetness matches the grenadine's touch
  • Lemon-herb marinated pork to bridge the flavors with the lemon twist

Desserts

  • Chocolate tarts or dark chocolate-based desserts that balance the sweet and bitter components
  • Fruit pies, such as cherry or apple, to resonate with the maraschino cherry garnish
  • Cheesecake, offering a creamy canvas for the drink's sharp flavors

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What you could change in New Yorker

  • Whiskey: Can be substituted with bourbon or rye
  • Lemon juice: Can be substituted with lime juice
  • Simple syrup: Can be substituted with honey or agave syrup

Explore all drinks starting with N here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky New Yorker

*Replace the whiskey with a smoky Scotch to infuse a peaty essence. The cocktail becomes a bridge between Manhattan and the Scottish Highlands – the 'peat' pedestrian pathway, if you will. The synergy of smoke with the sweetness will intrigue those who favor a complex profile.### New Yorker A La Rye *Opt for rye whiskey instead of the traditional choice. The spiciness of the rye adds another layer of depth. This version is sassier, like a New Yorker with just the right amount of attitude to stand out in a crowd – but not so much that it can't hail a cab.### Berry York *Swap out the grenadine for blackberry syrup and muddle a few berries in the mix. The drink becomes fruitier and gets a darker hue, like a sunset over Central Park. It's a refreshing alternative, for when you want the city vibes without the honking taxis.

In case you forgot basics how to make New Yorker

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 Yorker

What type of whiskey is recommend for making the New Yorker cocktail?

While the choice of whiskey might depend on personal preference, a full-bodied, high-quality whiskey like a rye or bourbon is often recommended.

What type of glass is used to serve the New Yorker cocktail?

The New Yorker is traditionally served in a coupe glass which is said to enhance the drinking experience.

Can I drink a New Yorker cocktail if I am gluten free?

Yes, whiskey is typically gluten-free, but some brands may add flavorings or other additives that contain gluten. Always check the label if you're unsure.

What's the best time to enjoy a New Yorker cocktail?

A New Yorker isn't tied to a specific occasion. It can be enjoyed in a casual setting, at a cocktail party, or as an evening drink to wind down the day.

Can mocktail versions of the New Yorker be made?

Yes, the New Yorker can easily be turned into a mocktail by removing the whiskey and adding a bit more of the non-alcoholic ingredients for flavor.

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