Frisco Sour
The Frisco Sour is a delightful twist on the classic whiskey sour, combining the rich flavors of bourbon with fresh lemon juice and a hint of sweetness from simple syrup.
- 5 min
- Easy
- Whiskey sour glass
- 6 ingredients
Frisco Sour
Ingredients
- Blended whiskey2 oz
- Benedictine½ oz
- LemonJuice of 1/4
- LimeJuice of 1/2
- Lemon1 slice
- Lime1 slice
Method
- Shake all ingredients (except slices of lemon and lime) with ice and strain into a whiskey sour glass.
- Decorate with the slices of lemon and lime and serve.
What you need
Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.
A shaker that seals
Two weighted tins beat three-piece shakers. They chill faster and never jam.
See on Amazon ↗A Hawthorne strainer
The coiled spring holds back ice and pulp. Look for a tight coil.
See on Amazon ↗The hero bottle
See 7 Blended whiskey drinksWhere it comes from
The Frisco Sour is a San Francisco creation that gained prominence during the Gold Rush era when the city became a cosmopolitan hub of American bartending. Named after the city's iconic sourdough culture and legendary bars, this drink combines citrus with warming spices. The cocktail reflects the sophisticated tastes that developed in San Francisco's early saloon culture.
Tips from the bar
- Use real lemon juice, never sour mix
- the spice element requires a steady hand when measuring to maintain balance
- serve with fresh ice that hasn't melted to preserve the drink's integrity
Twists worth trying
- Sourdough Style
- Adds a hint of sourdough-infused syrup for authentic San Francisco flavor
- Spiced Up
- Increases spice liqueur percentage for a warmer finish
- Citrus Sweet
- Adds grenadine for sweetness and color complexity
What to eat with it
- Sourdough bread and cheese
- Dungeness crab cakes
- Fish and chips
- Clam chowder in bread bowls
- Garlic bread
- Grilled Monterey Jack cheese sandwich
The finished drink

Questions
What is in a Frisco Sour?
A Frisco Sour is made with blended whiskey, benedictine, lemon, lime, lemon, lime.
What glass do you use for a Frisco Sour?
Serve a Frisco Sour in a whiskey sour glass.
What does a Frisco Sour taste like?
Expect sour, fruity, smooth.
What can I make with Blended whiskey?
We have 7 drinks built around Blended whiskey. See them all on the Blended whiskey page.
More with Blended whiskey
Every Blended whiskey drink →One good drink, every Friday.
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