Light and citrusy Peruvian Pisco Sour cocktail has made a strong comeback since it’s debut in 1920! You can’t go wrong with a sipper that is the national cocktail of two countries!
Refreshing Pisco Sour Cocktail
I’ve heard of this cocktail my entire life but had not started making it until a few years ago.
Peruvian Pisco Sour sounds exotic and sophisticated.
Like something that was consumed mid-century by daring travelers in smart shift dresses and dinner jackets.
This South American cocktail was developed in the 1920’s by an American bartender in Lima, Peru.
Indeed the bar of origin was frequented by the Peruvian upper class and English-speaking travelers.
The drink went through several iterations until the ratio of Pisco, simple syrup, key lime juice reached the agreed upon standard proportions of 3:1:1, landing it as the national cocktail of both Chile and Peru.
Ingredients
- Simple Syrup
- Key Lime Juice
- Pisco
- Egg Whites
- Angostura Bitters
Ingredient Notes
Simple Syrup
Though simple syrup can be purchased at the liquor store, make it at home.
It’s fast, easy and tastes best freshly made.
The simple syrup for this cocktail is included in the recipe card at the end of the blog post.
To learn more and additional recipes check out this guide on How to Make Simple Syrup.
Key Lime Juice
Key lime juice can be freshly juiced if key limes are available to you. Also it can be purchased online.
Regular lime juice or lemon juice may also be substituted.
What is Pisco?
Pisco is a brandy made in Peru and Chile.
It’s is made by distilling fermented grape juice into a high-proof alcohol.
It can be colorless, or light yellow to an amber color.
It was originally developed by 16th century Spanish settlers to replace a Spanish brandy that we imported to South America.
Chilean Pisco or Peruvian Pisco?
When ingredient shopping, I snapped up the last bottle of Peruvian Pisco at my local liquor stores.
There is debate about whether Pisco from Chile or Peru is better (they are usually made by different methods).
I can’t settle that debate but I CAN say that Pisco is a lightly citrus flavored liquor that packs a punch.
The alcohol content of Pisco can vary so pour wisely when mixing it up in a cocktail!
Egg Whites
The addition of egg whites in the last step create a classic frothy top.
If preferred, you can omit the egg whites and enjoy the cocktail without the top layer.
How to Make a Pisco Sour cocktail – Step-by-Step
STEP 1: Prepare the simple syrup
- Combine the water and sugar in a small sauce pan over medium-high heat stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat, transfer to a metal bowl and chill.
NOTE: it can be made ahead of time. Simple syrup can be chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
STEP 2: Combine the simple syrup, key lime juice, Pisco in a blender and add ice. Blend well.
STEP 3: Combine the blender mixture and egg whites in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until frothy.
STEP 4: Serve in 4-6 tumbler glasses with a dash of Angostura Bitters in the middle of the foamy top.
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More Delicious Cocktails from Latin Twist
This cocktail recipe is just one from the exciting Latin Twist, a book of traditional and modern cocktails spanning 19 Latin countries and 97 cocktails, penned by award-winning blogger-authors Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack and Vianney Rodgriguez.
Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST !
Recipe
Peruvian Pisco Sour
Ingredients
Ingredients for Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Water
Ingredients for Pisco Sour:
- ¼ cup Simple Syrup
- ½ cup Key Lime Juice
- 1 ½ cups Pisco
- 1 ½ cups Ice
- 3 Egg Whites
- Angostura Bitters
Instructions
Instructions for Simple Syrup:
- Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring, until all the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; transfer to a bowl and chill. Can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
Instructions for Pisco Sour:
- Place simple syrup, key lime juice, Pisco and ice in the blender and blend well
- Put the mixture and the egg whites in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until frothy.
- Serve in 4-6 small tumblers with a dash of bitters in the middle of the foam.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I received a copy Latin Twist for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
Chrysa says
Your cocktail looks so good! I love sour drinks. Whiskey Sour is one of my standards.
Catherine S says
This sounds really good. My friends and I always love to try new drinks. I will have to make the Pisco Sour for our next gathering.
Felicia says
What a great resource! The photos are lovely.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I enjoy trying new drinks in foreign countries – I could make that work for me! It looks lovely and the photos are all amazing. The ingredients sound like they were made for me! Let’s get the weekend started!
Jeanne says
I love Pisco Sours!
Chris Scheuer says
Okay, I got lost in your word picture at the beginning and I’m waiting for my drink 🙂 It sounds wonderful!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
What a great cocktail – we were all drinking whiskey sours in Madison last weekend! This is going to be fun to make, I’ve never had Pisco before, so it’s now at the top of the shopping list 🙂
Ruchita says
My favorite cocktail is a margarita!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Beautiful photos and I love the sound of this cocktail! Sounds like a great book. It’s always fun to explore different cultures through food and drink 🙂
Denise E. says
My favorite cocktail is a Wisconsin whiskey old fashioned sour. I say Wisconsin because no other state knows how to make them correctly, or at least as good as bartenders in my state do!