New York Sour vs. Whiskey Sour

The difference, by the numbers

Both have simple syrup and lemon juice. Only the New York Sour has rye whiskey, egg white and red wine; only the Whiskey Sour has bourbon. In parts, a New York Sour is 4 whiskey, 1½ syrup, 2 lemon and 1 red wine; a Whiskey Sour is 2¼ whiskey, 1¼ lemon and 1 syrup. By volume, the New York Sour is 47% spirit, 23% citrus, 18% syrup and sugar and 12% mixer and juice; the Whiskey Sour is 50% spirit, 28% citrus and 22% syrup and sugar. That makes them close cousins on the ratio map.

The New York Sour is the stronger drink in the glass (14.2% ABV against 13.4%) and holds more alcohol (1.64 standard drinks against 1.14). The New York Sour has more calories (about 225 against 168) and more sugar (14.7 g against 13.0 g). Both are shaken; the New York Sour is served in a rocks glass, the Whiskey Sour in a coupe.