The Frisco Sour is the quiet sibling of the Whiskey Sour – less known, but with a complex sweetness that comes from Bénédictine. The herbs of the liqueur meet sharp Rye Whiskey and fresh lemon juice. A drink for anyone who likes Sours not only sour, but also mysterious. Perfect for the late evening when you want to take a second look.
And this is what you need for the Frisco Sour
5 cl Rye Whiskey
2 cl lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 cl Bénédictine
1 cl sugar syrup (1:1)
1 egg white (optional, for texture)
What matters
Bénédictine is not filler here, but the star. The liqueur has its own spice – cloves, cinnamon, a touch of nutmeg – that allies with the Rye Whiskey. Important: Don’t shake too much, otherwise the drink will become too sweet. The lemon juice must be fresh, otherwise the Sour will taste like canned goods. If you don’t like egg white, you can leave it out, but then the creamy texture will be missing. Whoever tries it should take the first sip without garnish to experience the pure flavor.
Variations
- Frisco Sour with Gin — Replace the Rye Whiskey with 5 cl Gin. The drink becomes lighter, but the herbs of the Bénédictine come more to the fore. Works well with a London Dry Gin, which is already spicy itself.
- Non-alcoholic Frisco Sour — Replace Rye Whiskey with 5 cl non-alcoholic whiskey substitute (e.g., based on oak extract). Replace Bénédictine with a herb-focused syrup, such as rosemary or thyme syrup. The flavor remains complex, but without alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Bourbon instead of Rye Whiskey?
Yes, but the drink will be sweeter and less spicy. Bourbon has more vanilla and caramel notes that compete with the Bénédictine. If you still want to try it, reduce the sugar syrup to 0.5 cl.
Why does my Frisco Sour taste bitter?
Probably because it was shaken too long or the lemon juice was not fresh. Bénédictine has a strong spice that becomes bitter with too much oxidation. Always squeeze fresh and shake for no longer than 15 seconds.
Can I prepare the drink in advance?
No. The Frisco Sour lives from the freshness of the lemon juice and the texture of the egg white. After 10 minutes in the glass, it loses its liveliness. Always serve directly after shaking.
