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
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Frisco Sour

Ingredients

1
  • Blended whiskey2 oz
  • Benedictine½ oz
  • LemonJuice of 1/4
  • LimeJuice of 1/2
  • Lemon1 slice
  • Lime1 slice

Method

  1. Shake all ingredients (except slices of lemon and lime) with ice and strain into a whiskey sour glass.
  2. Decorate with the slices of lemon and lime and serve.
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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.

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Rocks glasses

A heavy base and 8 to 10 oz, with room for one big ice cube.

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A Hawthorne strainer

The coiled spring holds back ice and pulp. Look for a tight coil.

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The hero bottle

See 7 Blended whiskey drinks

Where 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

Frisco Sour

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

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