Pisco Sour: Peru's Iconic Cocktail

IBA Cocktail

The Pisco Sour is a truly iconic Peruvian cocktail. It's known for its unique balance of sweet, sour, and a touch of bitter, along with that distinctive frothy top. This refreshing and flavorful drink has become a symbol of Peru.

Pisco Sour: Peru's Iconic Cocktail

This drink is built around Pisco, a Peruvian Brandy distilled from grapes. This is combined with freshly squeezed Lime Juice, Egg White, Sugar (typically simple syrup), and a few dashes of Bitters (usually Angostura). The Pisco provides the spirituous base, while the lime offers a refreshing tartness. The egg white is key for that characteristic foamy texture, and the sugar balances the acidity. Finally, the bitters add aromatic complexity and a subtle spice.

The preparation involves shaking all the ingredients vigorously with ice. This creates the signature froth and chills this cocktail perfectly. It's traditionally served in a chilled glass, often a coupe or a small old-fashioned glass, and garnished with a few drops of bitters swirled across the foam.

This cocktail is not only popular in Peru but also in Chile, leading to some friendly rivalry over its origin. Regardless of its precise beginnings, this drink is deeply ingrained in Peruvian culture and is considered a national treasure. It’s often enjoyed as an aperitif or alongside Peruvian dishes like ceviche, which the cocktail's acidity complements beautifully.

This classic even has a connection to Hollywood’s golden age. Actors like Orson Welles, John Wayne, and Clark Gable were reportedly fans, particularly of the Pisco Sour Catedral, a larger format of this drink.

This cocktail is on the IBA official list of cocktails.

This iconic Peruvian cocktail is known for its unique flavor profile and frothy texture.

Did you know that Pisco Sour...

The Pisco Sour, a Peruvian cocktail, has been featured in movies and was popular with Hollywood actors during the golden age of cinema.

Who invented this cocktail

The Pisco Sour is generally attributed to Victor Vaughen Morris, an American bartender working in Peru in the early 20th century.

The origin and history of "Pisco Sour"

While the exact origins are debated, this cocktail's story is generally traced back to the early 1920s in Lima, Peru. Victor Vaughen Morris is credited with creating it at his bar, Morris' Bar.

The drink quickly gained popularity in Peru and eventually spread to other parts of the world. The friendly rivalry between Peru and Chile regarding its origin contributes to this cocktail's rich history.

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Bartender Tips for making the perfect "Pisco Sour"

Want to make a perfect Pisco Sour at home? Here are some tips:
  • Use high-quality Pisco for the best flavor.
  • Freshly squeezed Lime Juice is essential – avoid bottled juice.
  • Use pasteurized Egg Whites if you’re concerned about raw egg consumption.
  • Shake the ingredients vigorously with plenty of ice for at least 15-20 seconds to create a good froth.
  • A few drops of Angostura Bitters are the traditional garnish, swirled across the foam.

Pisco Sour recipe

Prep: 4 minTotal: 6 min

Ingredients

  • 60 ml PISCO
  • 30 ml FRESH LEMON JUICE
  • 20 ml SUGAR SYRUP
  • 3 drops ANGOSTURA BITTER
  • 1 EGG WHITE
  • 2 oz PISCO
  • 1 oz FRESH LEMON JUICE
  • ⅔ oz SUGAR SYRUP
  • 3 drops ANGOSTURA BITTER
  • 1 EGG WHITE

Garnish

  • ANGOSTURA BITTERS

Preparation

  1. Add all the ingredients into a shaker
  2. Dry shake first (no ice)
  3. Add ice and shake again until feels cold
  4. Strain into a chilled glass
  5. Garnish and serve

Nutritional Info

  • Calories:154 kcal
  • Alcohol units:2.5 units
  • ABV (Alcohol By Volume)~23%

Dietary Info

Gluten-freeDairy-free
Country of origin: Peru

"Pisco Sour" Variations

  • Pisco Sour Catedral: A larger version of the classic Pisco Sour, often served in a large glass.
  • Chilean Pisco Sour: Often omits the Egg White and sometimes uses Pica Pisco, a specific type of Chilean Pisco.

With its unique blend of flavors, frothy texture, and rich history, the Pisco Sour is a truly exceptional cocktail. It’s a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.

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Current Comments: 2

Amelia H.
May 2, 2024
Smooth and silky with just the right amount of sweetness. I enjoyed the frothy top and the hint of bitters.
Benjamin T.
Apr 25, 2024
A fantastic balance of tangy and frothy. The fresh lime juice really made a difference in the overall taste.