MALBEC MIXOLOGY: THE NEW YORK SOUR - MALBEC MAKES IT BEST.

It's the New York Sour. A variation on the traditional whiskey sour, this cocktail has it all: taste, simplicity and a handsome presentation.

Simply shake up a couple of ounces of rye whiskey with ice and an ounce each of lemon juice and simple syrup, then strain into a glass. (On the rocks? Chilled glass? Your call.) And now for the crowning touch, the one that will have your friends asking for another. Pour a half-ounce of Malbec gently over the back of a spoon set slightly above the drink in the glass. As it falls softly over the whisky concoction, you'll get a nice float of red to contrast the yellow base.

But looks aren't everything. After gazing at your New York Sour's striking two-tone brilliance, you might want to give it a stir. You'll get those flavors fully mingling and it will really taste great.

By the way, simple syrup is great to have in your arsenal at the ready. Especially if you're the drink-mixing type. And it's so easy to make, we hesitate to even call this a recipe: boil one part water, stir in two parts sugar just until dissolved. Take off the heat and let cool.

Can you use other red wines? We guess so, but why? Malbec makes it best. Come to think of it, maybe it should be called an Argentina Sour.