Sip the Spirit of Peru: Pisco Sour Awaits!

Pisco Sour: A Taste of Peru's National Cocktail Experience

6/10

SWEET to SOUR
(1-10)

4/10

STRENGTH
(1-10)

210

CALORIES

1.5

STANDARD
DRINKS

Note: these values are approximate and may vary dependent on the ingredients and brands you use.

  • What do you need?

    Ingredients

    • 60 ml BarSol Mosto Verde Italia Pisco
    • 15 ml Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
    • 7.5 ml Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
    • 15 ml Sugar syrup 'rich' (2 sugar to 1 water, 65.0°Brix)
    • 20 ml Egg white (pasteurised) or Aquafaba (chickpea water) or Cocktail foamer (foaming agent)
    • 2.5 ml Orange blossom water / Orange flower water optional
    • 3 drop Saline solution 4:1 (20g sea salt to 80g water)

    How do I make it?

    Instructions

    • Select and pre-chill a Coupe glass.
    • Prepare garnish of Amargo Chuncho bitters or other aromatic bitters.
    • Shake all ingredients with ice and strain back into shaker.
    • Dry shake (without ice).
    • Fine strain into chilled glass.
    • Garnish and finish cocktail with three drops Amargo Chuncho bitters or Angostura aromatic bitters on the surface.

  • Pisco Sour: A Taste of Peru's National Cocktail Experience

More information...

The Pisco Sour is a cocktail that embodies the spirit of South America, particularly Peru, where it is considered the national drink. This delightful concoction is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. The Pisco Sour is not just a drink; it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and the art of mixology.

At the heart of the Pisco Sour is BarSol Mosto Verde Italia Pisco, a high-quality Peruvian brandy made from the distillation of fermented grape juice. This pisco is known for its fruity and floral notes, which serve as the foundation for the cocktail. The drink is further enhanced by the addition of freshly squeezed lime and lemon juices, which provide a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients. The balance of sweet and sour is achieved with a rich sugar syrup, made from two parts sugar to one part water, ensuring that the sweetness complements rather than overwhelms the other flavors.

One of the unique aspects of the Pisco Sour is the use of egg white or aquafaba, which adds a luxurious frothiness to the drink. This ingredient not only contributes to the cocktail's creamy texture but also helps to create a beautiful foam on top, which is essential for the presentation. The dry shake technique, where the ingredients are shaken without ice after the initial shake, is crucial for achieving that perfect frothy head. This method allows the egg white to emulsify properly, resulting in a smooth and velvety mouthfeel.

To elevate the Pisco Sour further, a few drops of orange blossom water can be added, imparting a subtle floral aroma that enhances the overall sensory experience. Additionally, a saline solution is included, which may seem unusual but serves to amplify the flavors, making them more vibrant and pronounced. The final touch is the garnish of Amargo Chuncho bitters or Angostura bitters, which not only adds a decorative element but also signifies health, wealth, and happiness—a nod to the cocktail's cultural significance.

With an alcohol strength of 7 out of 10, the Pisco Sour is potent yet approachable, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned drinkers and those new to cocktails. The taste profile leans towards the sweet side, rated at 7 out of 10, but the acidity from the citrus juices balances it beautifully, creating a harmonious blend that is refreshing and invigorating. Each sip is a delightful dance of flavors, with the sweetness of the sugar syrup, the tartness of the citrus, and the warmth of the pisco all coming together in perfect unison.

Nutritionally, the Pisco Sour contains approximately 210 calories and equates to about 1.5 standard drinks, making it a relatively moderate choice for a cocktail. This makes it a suitable option for social gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.

In conclusion, the Pisco Sour is more than just a cocktail; it is a representation of Peruvian heritage and a testament to the craft of cocktail making. Its combination of flavors, textures, and cultural significance makes it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of cocktails. Whether enjoyed at a bar in Lima or crafted at home, the Pisco Sour is sure to impress and delight.

Cocktail and Drink Recipe FAQ's

Can I substitute ingredients in a cocktail or drink recipe?

While substitutions can be made, it's important to choose ingredients with similar flavors to maintain the drink's balance.

Can I substitute alcohol brands, or even different alcohol, in a cocktail or drink recipe?

Yes, different brands may have a very similar taste profile, so may still create what the recipe intended. But keep in mind, some brands can also vary significantly in taste, so some may work better than others. Changing the alcohol to a different type (eg. Gin to Vodka) may have undesirable effects. Changing the ratio's of alcohol ingredients in a recipe can also change the taste profile significantly, same as increasing the measures. But invention can sometimes create something better.

Where can I buy cocktail ingredients and equipment?

You can find a liquor store close to you by using our map on our Home page. This will show you all the closest liquor stores. Many liquor stores may also carry basic bar tending equipment like shakers, strainers, jiggers, muddlers, pourers, fruit squeezers/juicers etc. But if they don't you can easily find these online or at a specialized hospitality equipment supplier.

What are the most common cocktail or drink garnishes?

Common garnishes for cocktails include a:

  • mint leaves
  • maraschino cherry
  • pineapple wedge
  • lemon zest
  • lime wedge
  • lemon wedge
  • orange wedge or peel
  • olives
  • banana
  • coffee beans
  • grated chocolate

...and much more. You can also experiment and try new things.

What is the most popular cocktail in the world?

In the US, the Margarita is generally considered the most popular. They are loved for their balance of sweet, sour and salty flavors, and are a great choice for most events. Other very popular cocktails include the Cosmopolitan, Daiquiri, Manhattan, Mojito, Pina Colada, and Espresso Martini.

What was the first cocktail invented and where?

Many agree that the first cocktail ever invented was the Sazerac in the mid-1800s in New Orleans. The Sazerac, a blend of whiskey, absinthe, bitters, and sugar, made it a unique and recognizable cocktail.

How did the name 'cocktails' come to be?

The etymology is believed to have come from a New Orleans apothecary, and inventor, Antoine Amédée Peychaud, who served brandy with his bitters in eggcups in the late 18th century.

The french word for eggcup is coquetier.

The story goes, that it was difficult to pronounce coquetier, was likely mis-pronounced, and quickly the word cocktail caught on as a new word.