New York Sour – Shots

I’ve always tested new mixes with shot-equivalent portions . Truthfully, I sometimes enjoy these “shots” more than drinking out of the correct glassware, maybe because I know it’s freshly shaken and I can go back to another fresh portion whenever. So the NY Times‘ 12/28/20 article titled, “Ring Out 2020 With Shots You’ll Actually Enjoy” was right down my alley. They displayed a beautiful NEW YORK SOUR in a shot glass layered with sweet red wine at the top and whiskey sour at the bottom. I had no such luck with the layering effect using the optional sweet vermouth (no sweet red wine was available) and forgot to use the back of a spoon when pouring. But the small-portion shot of the cocktail was just right using the recipe below:

Requirements: bourbon or rye, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, dry fruity red wine or sweet red vermouth

• 2 oz. bourbon or rye
• 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• 1 oz. dry, fruity red wine or sweet red vermouth

Mix all ingredients except for the wine/vermouth in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously to chill and pour into 2 or 3 shot glasses half-way. Gently pour the red wine or sweet red vermouth over the back of a small spoon held just above each drink’s surface so that it floats on the top.

Comments: As the Times article pointed out, this is a gentler way to do a toast with a friend or friends without the knockout punch of the standard tequila or bourbon shot. I would add that shots of any 2-ingredient cocktails, e.g. the Black Russian (a good after-dinner shot), dirty martini or Jean Harlow are fun to prepare as shots. See recipes at www.keetscocktails.com.

Happy 2021!!!!