The New York Sour is traditionally made with rye whiskey, lemon juice, sugar and a red wine float.
It is a variation of the Whiskey Sour. The base drink is shaken with whiskey, lemon juice and sugar, then red wine is carefully floated on top. The wine creates a separate colored layer and adds fruit and tannin to the finished drink.
Although the name points to New York, the cocktail's exact origin is uncertain. It was previously known as a Continental Sour, a name that appears in older cocktail references. The modern name became more widely used over time.
A New York Sour is not simply a Whiskey Sour with red wine stirred in. The float is an important part of its presentation, and using a full-bodied red wine helps maintain the layered appearance.