My first authentic Pisco Sour cocktail was hand-crafted for me by my very dear Chilean friend, Jorge, during one of my trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I had tried them afterwards in bars, but they simply did not compare to a Pisco Sour created by someone who learned from an authentic region. Jorge has fine-tuned his craft with Chef-friend who spent months in Peru studying the culture and food with another world-renowned ceviche chef. I’m honored Jorge is letting me share his recipe with you. High five dude!
This is an incredibly bright refreshing cocktail, perfect for a hot summer and quickly cooling down.
Both Chili and Peru call upon the Pisco Sour as their national drink – each basing the origins of Pisco as being from their own countries. The origins of Pisco is a subject fiercely debated in each country – I would speculate to say second to football.
Pisco itself is a type of brandy produced throughout the winemaking regions of Chili and Peru.
One theory on the origins of Pisco is it comes from old world Peruvian town of Pisco, which spoke the language Quechua – the origin meaning “bird.”
The Chilean theory is the word Pisco actually means “mud container,” supported by linguist Mario Ferreccio Podesta.
Grapes used to create Pisco include Quebranta, Muscat, Albilla, Italia and Torontel grape varieties. However, traditional Pisco should only be made with one variety of grape. Aging should be at least 3 months. There are four types of Pisco you can find in the store:
- Puro – Pure, only 1 variety of grape.
- Aromáticas – Made from more aromatic grape varieties – only one variety can be used in the production lot.
- Mosto Verde – Distilled from partially fermented must before the sugarshave been completely transformed into alcohol.
- Acholado – Blended from multiple varieties of grape.
Peruvian Pisco can only be made from grapes grown in regions of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna and produced in copper pot stil and must never be diluted.
Chilean Pisco must be made in Atacama and Coquimbo, with distilleries being required to grow all of their own grapes. Chili has taken extra steps to have a clean and environmentally production of pisco. Overall, Chili is a very environmentally-conscious country.
Table of Contents
Peruvian Pisco Sour Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Pisco Peruvian Pisco
- 2 ounces Lime juice Freshly squeezed or bottled
- 1 tablespoon Egg whites
- 1 1/2 ounces Simple syrup
- 4 Ice cubes
- 3 drops Angostura bitters
Optional:
- 1 Lime Zested for garnish – one lime will garnish 4-6 drinks
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and get all of your utensils ready. You’ll need a blender, citrus squeezer, measuring cup, zesting tool, paring knife, cutting board, and martini glasses.
- If you are going to zest your limes for garnish, its a good idea to do that before you slice them in half and reduce food waste.
- Squeeze limes into measuring cup until you have the appropriate amount. Pour into blender.
- Measure out the Pisco Sour and pour into blender.
- Measure your simple syrup and add to blender.
- Carefully break open your egg[s] and retrieve the egg white needed.
- Once all of the ingredients have been added to the blender, begin it slowly, then slowly increase speed. I begin at low and move up to 3 or 4 (out of 10). Once the egg has become frothy, turn the blender off.
- Get your martini glasses ready! Add ice cubes before pouring the blended mixture.
- Pour the blended mixture into the cocktail glasses and add Angostura bitters.
- Enjoy thoroughly. The courteous cheer is a simple “Salud!”
Notes
- I usually am able to make 15 cocktails per bottle of Pisco Sour.
- It is traditional to “rinse” the last bit of your cocktail with half a shot of Pisco Sour and drink before disposing of your glass.
Nutrition
Recommended equipment for the perfect Pisco Sour
Zesting tool with channel knife
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I strive to paint vivid landscapes with my words, bringing the magic of far-off lands and enchanting aromas to life for my readers. Combine passion for exploration and the art of gastronomy in an unending ode to the senses. When I’m not traversing the globe, I find solace in the earth beneath my fingertips, tending to my garden and working on projects around my verdant oasis. MK Library serves as a beacon, guiding fellow travelers and homebodies alike to embrace sustainability, nurturing both our planet and our souls with purpose. Full Bio.
Looks so good! Can’t wait to try it!
Kasey Ma
http://www.TheStyleWright.com
I have never made a cocktail before but I really want to try this out! Thanks for the recipe!
These look amazing!! I cannot wait to try! What a fun drink recipe 🙂
I’m just starting out as a novice cocktailer. I’m impressed by the amount of in depth research you did here! Well done!
Thanks a lot GD!!
I’m SO excited that you posted this because this sounds so tasty and I’m definitely going to use it to impress some guests when they come visit. Thanks for sharing!
Sweet! Let me know how it turns out and if your guests are impressed! The Pisco Sour is very refreshing and has always been a hit at parties.
This is a new cocktail to me and I appreciate all the research you’ve put into it – very interesting. It sounds really delicious and refreshing!
Thanks a lot Amy!
This cocktail recipe looks so fresh and elegant! Appreciate your attention to detail in the preparation process!
This cocktail is certainly one of the more elaborate one to prepare, and well worth it.
I love this tutorial..so detail and looks so easy to make. Now I know what cocktail to make for our party this week end. Btw..i really love the citrus press..I have to get one of this to make life easier to press the juice. Didn’t know they sell it at amazon.
I’d love to hear how it goes at your party! That particular citrus press is awesome. I use it for quick pressings on everything from lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit.
I’ve ordered this drink not thinking there were a lot of…controversy…surrounding it lol. And wow I didn’t know lots about what I’ve been drinking. It’s a great drink. Time to make it at home!
Yeah, now you can show off to your South American friends – you’ll know about the real controversies! Origins of Pisco. 😀
Oh looks refreshing! I should try this! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
So refreshing you’ll want two!
I LOVE a Pisco Sour! I love that you dig in to the history of the grapes and their regionality. Thank you!
You are welcome! As a newcomer to Pisco, I wanted to know what I should be buying and why.
I’m just now getting into cocktails–this looks amazing!
This is a great place start with something a bit more exotic yet easy to make!