Pisco Sour
This is the most famous Pisco cocktail and a must-try if you have never had one before.
2 oz. Pisco
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. simple syrup
1 egg white
Angostura bitters
Shake all ingredients except bitters with ice. Strain into a glass and top with a few dashes of bitters.
Chilcano
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day.
2 oz. Pisco
4 oz. ginger ale
1/2 oz. lime juice
Angostura bitters
Fill a glass with ice. Add Pisco, ginger ale, and lime juice. Stir to combine. Top with a few dashes of bitters.
Pisco Punch
This classic cocktail was popular in the early 20th century and is still enjoyed today.
2 oz. Pisco
1 oz. pineapple juice
1/2 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
club soda
Shake Pisco, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda.
El Capitan: This cocktail is made with Pisco and sweet vermouth, and it is a great alternative to a traditional Manhattan. It is a rich and complex cocktail that is perfect for sipping.
Pisco Sour Martini: This cocktail is a twist on the classic Pisco Sour. It is made with Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white, but it is served up in a martini glass. It is a sophisticated and elegant cocktail that is perfect for a special occasion.
Overall, these five essential Pisco cocktails showcase the versatility of this spirit and how it can be used to create a variety of delicious and unique cocktails.
What Can Pisco be Mixed With?
Pisco, a type of brandy from Peru and Chile, is a versatile spirit that can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Here are some of the most popular mixers for Pisco:
Citrus juice: Lime, lemon, and grapefruit juices all work well with Pisco. Citrus juices can help balance the sweetness of other ingredients and add a bright, fresh flavor to cocktails.
Fruit juices: Pineapple, passionfruit, and mango juices are all great options for mixing with Pisco. These juices can add a tropical twist to cocktails and work well with the fruity, floral notes of Pisco.
Ginger beer/ale: Ginger beer or ginger ale can add a spicy kick to cocktails and work particularly well with the Chilcano cocktail.
Sweet vermouth: Sweet vermouth is a great mixer for Pisco, and the El Capitan cocktail is a classic example of this combination.
Egg whites: Egg whites can add a frothy texture and a rich, velvety mouthfeel to cocktails, and they are a key ingredient in the classic Pisco Sour.
Overall, Pisco can be mixed with a wide range of ingredients, from citrus juices to sweet vermouth, and its versatility makes it a great spirit for creating unique and delicious cocktails.
Fast Facts About Pisco
Pisco is a type of brandy that is produced in Peru and Chile. It is made from grapes that are grown in specific regions and then distilled to create a clear, unaged spirit. Pisco is known for its unique flavor profile, which can vary depending on the grape variety, terroir, and production methods.
The proof of Pisco can vary, but it typically ranges from 38% to 48% alcohol by volume (ABV), or 76 to 96 proof. The exact proof will depend on the specific Pisco and the country where it was produced.
There are several different types of Pisco, including:
Puro: Made from a single grape variety, either Quebranta, Mollar, Negra Criolla, Uvina, or Moscatel.
Acholado: A blend of two or more grape varieties.
Mosto Verde: Made from partially fermented grape must, which gives it a slightly sweeter and smoother flavor.
The main difference between Pisco and other types of distilled spirits, such as whiskey or vodka, is that Pisco is made from grapes instead of grains or potatoes. This gives it a unique flavor profile that is often described as floral, fruity, and slightly sweet. Pisco is also unaged, which means it has a clear color and a clean taste that allows the natural flavors of the grapes to shine through.
The best brand of Pisco will depend on personal preference and the specific cocktail or recipe being used. Some popular brands of Pisco include Barsol, La Diablada, Campo de Encanto, and Macchu Pisco. It is best to try a few different brands and see which one you like the most.