What is a Shiso Sour?
A Shiso Sour is a herbaceous, citrus-forward sour cocktail built around Japanese shiso โ a fragrant leaf with bright, minty, almost basil-like character. MXTOLOGY's Shiso Sour pouch reinterprets the classic sour template with this unusual Japanese herb, delivering a tart, aromatic and genuinely refreshing drink that's pouched fresh in Australia with real spirits and no artificial ingredients.
It sits at 10.6% ABV and 1.1 standard drinks per 130 mL pouch. For the full ingredient list and method, see the product page and the Shiso Sour recipe page.
What does a Shiso Sour taste like?
A Shiso Sour tastes bright, tart and aromatic, with the distinctive green, slightly peppery-mint lift of shiso balanced against a clean citrus sourness. It's the kind of drink that surprises people โ familiar in its sour backbone, but unexpected and refreshing thanks to the Japanese herb at its centre.
If you enjoy sours that lean crisp and herbaceous rather than sweet, this one rewards a curious palate. The shiso adds an almost savoury complexity that keeps each sip interesting.
Why choose the Shiso Sour as a pouch?
Because a pouched cocktail is glass-free, chillable and lightweight, the Shiso Sour travels wherever you do โ pools, beaches, festivals, race days and backyard gatherings. There's no shaker, no measuring and no clean-up; the cocktail is made fresh and ready to enjoy.
MXTOLOGY is Australia's first and most premium cocktail pouch brand, and the Shiso Sour is one of its more adventurous pours. Each 130 mL pouch is portable and easy to chill, making it a smart choice when glass isn't welcome.
- Glass-free: safe for poolside and beachside settings.
- Chillable: pop it in the esky or fridge.
- Lightweight: easy to pack for events and travel.
- Real spirits, no artificial ingredients: made fresh in Australia.
How does the Shiso Sour compare to other MXTOLOGY sours?
The Shiso Sour is the most unconventional of MXTOLOGY's sour-style pouches, trading classic sweet-tart richness for a herbaceous, Japanese-inspired twist. Here's how it lines up at a glance:
| Cocktail | Flavour style | ABV | Standard drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shiso Sour | Herbaceous, tart, refreshing | 10.6% | 1.1 |
| Amaretto Whisky Sour | Nutty, rich, classic sour | See product page | See product page |
For exact figures on other pouches, check each product page. You can browse the full range on the MXTOLOGY cocktail pouches collection.
When is the best time to enjoy a Shiso Sour?
The Shiso Sour shines on warm Australian days when you want something cold, crisp and a little out of the ordinary. Its bright, herbaceous profile makes it a natural fit for summer entertaining, long lunches, and any moment that calls for a refreshing pour without the fuss of a home bar.
Because it's pouched rather than bottled, it suits settings where glass isn't practical โ think a sunlit deck, a picnic rug, or a poolside afternoon with friends.
How much does the Shiso Sour cost in Australia?
A single MXTOLOGY pouch is $14 AUD. Buy 5โ9 and it's $13 each; buy 10 or more and it's $12 each. Mix and match across the range to reach the better per-pouch pricing.
How to make a Shiso Sour at home
If you'd prefer to mix one yourself, MXTOLOGY publishes a full method on the Shiso Sour recipe page. The product page is the source of truth for the exact ingredients in the pouched version.
Frequently asked questions
What is shiso?
Shiso is a fragrant Japanese herb in the mint family, with a bright, slightly peppery and basil-like flavour. In the Shiso Sour it provides the cocktail's distinctive aromatic, herbaceous lift.
How strong is the MXTOLOGY Shiso Sour?
The Shiso Sour pouch is 10.6% ABV and contains 1.1 standard drinks per 130 mL pouch. The exact ABV and standard drinks always appear on the product page.
Is the Shiso Sour sweet?
No โ it leans tart, crisp and herbaceous rather than sweet, making it a refreshing choice for those who like sours on the drier, more aromatic side.
Where can I buy the Shiso Sour in Australia?
You can order it directly from the MXTOLOGY Shiso Sour product page, or explore the wider cocktail pouch range. MXTOLOGY ships within Australia only.
Is the Shiso Sour made with real spirits?
Yes. MXTOLOGY pouches are made fresh in Australia with real spirits and no artificial ingredients.
18+ only. Drink responsibly. Each pouch's exact ABV and standard drinks appear on its product page.
