Red Sky Sour

The Red Sky Sour is a bold, refreshing cocktail with layers of flavor and color. It blends smooth bourbon with lemon, ginger, and a hint of red wine, then gets a fizzy lift from ginger beer. It’s crisp, a little spicy, and great when you want something that looks as good as it tastes.

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Tasting Notes

The Red Sky Sour strikes a satisfying balance between bright citrus, warming spice, and layered depth. The bourbon delivers rich notes of oak and vanilla, while the lemon juice adds brightness to cut through the richness. Ginger liqueur brings subtle heat that plays well with the fizz of the ginger beer. Floating red wine on top introduces dark fruit tones and visual contrast. As the drink settles, each component blends into a smooth, slightly tangy profile with a touch of sweetness and spice. It’s a bold drink with complexity that gradually reveals itself with each sip.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare the Red Sky Sour properly, a few reliable bar tools are essential. A cocktail shaker is required to chill and mix the base ingredients quickly. A strainer ensures that the pour is clean and free from ice shards. A bar spoon is useful for carefully layering the wine over the cocktail. Use a jigger for precise measurement to maintain balance. Serve the drink in a highball glass, which is tall enough to showcase the layered appearance and accommodate the ginger beer. Regular ice cubes are ideal to help preserve structure while allowing for a gradual blend of flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz ginger liqueur
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 0.5 oz red wine
• 2 oz ginger beer

Instructions

• Add bourbon, lemon juice, ginger liqueur, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
• Shake well until chilled.
• Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
• Slowly pour the red wine over the back of a spoon to float it on top.
• Top with ginger beer.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a cleaner, brighter flavor.
• Select a bold bourbon to stand up to the ginger and wine layers.
• A dry red wine works best for floating and contrast avoid sweet varieties.
• Pour the wine slowly over the spoon to keep the float clean and distinct.
• Use large, clear ice cubes to slow dilution and enhance presentation.
• Chill your glassware ahead of time to maintain the drink’s temperature.
• Shake for no more than 10–15 seconds to avoid over-diluting the base.
• If ginger beer is too spicy, try splitting it with a splash of club soda.

When to Serve

The Red Sky Sour is a great pick for evenings where you want something a little more layered and complex without being overly fussy. Its bold profile makes it a good match for cooler nights or late afternoon gatherings. The fizz from the ginger beer keeps it approachable, while the float of red wine gives it enough drama to suit small parties or cocktail hours. It’s also a fitting drink to serve at casual dinners or events where bourbon lovers might want a new way to enjoy their favorite spirit. It’s visually interesting and flavor-forward without being overpowering.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Bourbon: Four Roses, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace
• Ginger Liqueur: Domaine de Canton, The King’s Ginger
• Red Wine: Apothic Red, Josh Cabernet Sauvignon, 19 Crimes Shiraz
• Ginger Beer: Fever-Tree, Q Ginger Beer, Bundaberg
• Simple Syrup: Homemade (1:1 sugar to water) or Liber & Co.

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