Pisco sour is THE drink in Chile; it is the drink of choice in restaurants and family gatherings. This is the recipe we prepare at home: easy and delicious. You can pre-batch it (hold on adding the egg white until ready to serve), and it's mixed in a blender.
What do you need for a Pisco Sour?
- Pisco: Pisco is a type of brandy made from distilled grapes. It's the base spirit of the Pisco Sour and comes in various styles and flavors.
- Lime or lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice is a critical component that gives the cocktail its tangy, citrusy flavor.
- Simple syrup: Simple syrup, made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, provides sweetness to balance the sourness of the citrus juice.
- Egg white: An egg white is often included to give the cocktail a creamy and frothy texture.
- Angostura bitters: A few drops of Angostura bitters are added as a garnish, contributing aromatic and slightly bitter notes to the drink.
Here in the USA, finding Pisco at liquor stores is increasingly easy. If you see Catan Pisco, get it; it's my favorite flavor-wise, and you will adore it. It's the brainchild of Catalina, a Chilean woman entrepreneur.
This recipe is a batch version of the traditional drink—all the ingredients except the egg white must be chilled in advance. If that is a health concern, you can use pasteurized egg whites or leave it out, but you will miss the frothy top. The flavor is still excellent.
Instead of making a bland simple syrup, use fruity syrups or go for an herbal pisco sour with rosemary or Rica-Rica. Have fun trying different combinations.
What kind of alcohol is Pisco?
Pisco is a hard liquor distilled from grapes, like tequila and vodka. The Spaniards introduced grapes to Chile and Peru, and soon, the production of Pisco and wines (of course) was started. There is an ongoing fight between Peru and Chile about the birthplace of Pisco. Pisco Sour, the cocktail, was invented in Lima, Perú.
What kind of Pisco is used for Pisco Sour?
In the USA, you can usually find Peruvian or Chilean Pisco. Either of them will be delicious in your cocktail. I have tried Portón, Capel, and Catán with good results.
What else can I do with Pisco?
You can substitute Pisco for vodka or tequila in any baking recipe. You can also make Piscola, a traditional Chilean cocktail: 1 part pisco, 2 parts or more of Coke or Diet Coke, and a squeeze of lime.
How long does Pisco last after opening?
Forever, like vodka and tequila, they don't expire.
Can I serve Pisco Sour on the rocks?
No, it's not traditionally served with ice. It's usually served in coupe glasses or flutes.
This time, we shared it with American friends who had never tried it, and oh, boy, they liked it. Remember to drink in moderation.
Besides Pisco Sour, other traditional drinks in Chile are:
- Borgoña, red wine with fruits
- Clery, white wine with fruits
- Terremoto, fizzy white wine with pineapple sorbet and grenadine
- Ponche a la Romana, champagne with pineapple sorbet
- Cola de mono, a Chilean coffee eggnog for the Holidays
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Easy Pisco Sour Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Chilean
Description
Quick and amazing. Batch it and enjoy it with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of lemon juice or lime juice
- 1 cup of pisco
- 1 cup simple syrup (1 cup sugar + 1 cup water, cook until sugar dissolves and cool after)
- 1 cup ice
- 1 egg white
- bitter Angostura to serve
Instructions
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 253
- Sugar: 30.3 g
- Sodium: 17.2 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 33.1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
Rachel says
Exactly what I was looking for! I'm making this for my Chilean husband and friends tonight for Dieciocho. Feliz Dieciocho a todos!! 🙂
Pilar Hernandez says
Thanks, I hope you have a great time. Salud!
Beka Melville says
Kia ora Pilar, I dont think you could post this recipe without the debate! looking forward to making it for a chilean party tonight here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Gracias!
Pilar Hernandez says
Have fun!
Bill says
Lovely, but if you are using something called pisco made in Chile then it is not pisco but aguardiente, or in English moonshine. Only place in the world where pisco in produced is Peru. This is a fact.
Jorge says
Thisbsucks...you are supposed to teach a recipe not praise the prairie
Ana says
"Pisco Sour" is a peruvian drinks since always. Even though this is a good recipe, wey have yo know that this famous drink is not from Chile. Thanks.
Pilar Hernandez says
I'm glad you enjoy the recipe.