Other meanings of New York Sour
Television
The New York Sour is a cocktail that gained cultural prominence through its association with the HBO period drama Boardwalk Empire, where it was featured as a signature drink of the character Nucky Thompson. The show's setting in 1920s Atlantic City during Prohibition brought renewed attention to classic cocktails, and the New York Sour became emblematic of the era's speakeasy culture.
The New York Sour is a variation of the whiskey sour, distinguished by a float of red wine on top. The classic recipe combines bourbon or rye whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (optional), shaken with ice and strained into a glass, then topped with a layer of red wine, typically a dry red like a Shiraz or a Merlot.1 The wine is poured gently over the back of a spoon to create a distinct layer, giving the drink a striking two-tone appearance. The cocktail's origins are debated, but it is often linked to the late 19th century, with some attributing its creation to a bartender in Chicago, while others point to New York City. The drink fell out of favor during the mid-20th century but experienced a revival in the craft cocktail movement of the 2000s.
In Boardwalk Empire, the New York Sour is prominently featured as a favorite of Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, the show's protagonist, played by Steve Buscemi. The series, created by Terence Winter and produced by Martin Scorsese, aired on HBO from 2010 to 2014 and depicted the political and criminal machinations of Atlantic City during Prohibition.2 Nucky is often seen sipping the cocktail in his office or at social gatherings, and the drink became a visual shorthand for his sophistication and power. The show's attention to period detail extended to its cocktails, with the New York Sour being one of several classic drinks featured. This portrayal helped reintroduce the cocktail to a modern audience, and it became a popular order at bars during the show's run.
The association with Boardwalk Empire contributed to a broader resurgence of interest in pre-Prohibition cocktails. Bartenders and home enthusiasts sought to recreate the drinks seen on screen, and the New York Sour gained a new following. The show's influence was noted in the cocktail community, with articles in publications like Imbibe and Saveur highlighting the drink's renewed popularity.3 The New York Sour's revival is part of a larger trend of classic cocktail appreciation, which has led to the establishment of speakeasy-style bars and a renewed focus on craft mixology. The drink's visual appeal and balanced flavor profile have made it a staple in modern cocktail menus, and it is often featured in cocktail books and online recipe collections.
While the New York Sour is often associated with Boardwalk Empire, its history includes several lesser-known details. The cocktail is sometimes called a "Continental Sour" or "Claret Sour," and early recipes sometimes used claret (Bordeaux) instead of other red wines.4 The drink's name may have originated from the fact that it was popular in New York bars, but some historians suggest it was created in Chicago and named after the city's rivalry with New York. Additionally, the use of egg white in the sour is a point of variation; some recipes omit it, while others include it for a frothier texture. In Boardwalk Empire, the cocktail was often shown without egg white, which is a common choice for a cleaner presentation. The show's prop department reportedly consulted with cocktail historians to ensure accuracy, and the drink's appearance on screen was carefully crafted to match the era's style.
The New York Sour's appearance in Boardwalk Empire is a notable example of a television show influencing cocktail culture.
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