Easy Pisco Sour

Versión en español

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.

Pisco Sour is a refreshing and well-balanced cocktail, perfect for sipping on a warm day or as an aperitif. It has gained international popularity and is often enjoyed in many parts of the world. It is known for its unique and delicious blend of flavors, featuring Pisco, a type of grape brandy, as its primary spirit. 

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, it is increasingly easy to find Pisco at liquor stores, and if you live in Texas, I recommend going to Spec’s. I love the variety of spirits and wines they offer. If you see Catan Pisco, get it; it’s my favorite flavor, and you will adore it. It’s the brainchild of Catalina, a Chilean women 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 doing my bland simple syrup, I used one of the delightful Bar-Tisan syrups available in Houston at Local Foods (Rice Village and The Heights). They have many unique flavors, but I like my pisco sours on the herbal side, so I go with rosemary or Rica-Rica. But have fun trying different combinations.

What kind of alcohol is Pisco?

Pisco is distilled from grapes. It’s hard liquor like tequila and vodka. In Chile and Peru, grapes were introduced by the Spaniards, 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?

Usually, in the USA, you can 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 in any baking recipe for vodka or tequila. You can also make Piscola, a traditional Chilean cocktail: 1 part pisco, 2 part 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

Easy Pisco Sour Recipe

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Quick and amazing. Batch it and enjoy it with friends.

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4

Ingredients

Units USM

• 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

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Instructions

1. Put the lemon juice, pisco, simple syrup, ice, and egg white in the blender.
2. Mix until everything comes together and is frothy.
3. Place a few drops of bitters on top.
   
4. Serve right away.
   

• Author: Pilar Hernandez
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Blended
• Cuisine: Chilean

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