My favourite types of cocktails are sours and this is definitely up there with the best of the best! It follows the standard sour recipe making it incredibly easy to learn and remember. Come along as we uncover the history and origin of Pisco and take a look at a Pisco Sour Cocktail recipe that can be made with or without egg.
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What is Pisco?
Pisco is a clear brandy made in the wine-making regions of Peru and Chile. Distillers create it by fermenting local grapes from the region. It resembles a smoother Grappa. The exact origins of Pisco spark heavy debate, as both Peru and Chile claim to have invented the spirit; however, Peru proudly names the Pisco Sour as its national cocktail and celebrates Pisco Sour Day on the first Saturday of February every year!
What is a Pisco Sour?
The Pisco Sour is an iconic cocktail in South America. To make a Pisco Sour follow the standard sour recipe. The cocktail is citrusy, smooth, foamy and easy to drink. What more could you want? The Pisco gives this sour a smooth, aromatic and fruity flavour. With notes of tropical fruits, herbal qualities and a little sweetness, it is a sour like no other. Although Pisco may be South American the most credited origin for the drink says it comes from an American bartender called Victor Morris. Mossis moved to Lima in Peru and in 1916 opened a bar where he crafted the Pisco Sour. The drink was an instant hit, and its popularity skyrocketed.
How to Make a Pisco Sour
For a Pisco Sour you’ll need a couple of things. First thing first Pisco. You should be able to find Pisco quite easily in a liquor store. As we are making a cocktail you don’t need to splash out too much cash, a nice mid-range one should do.
Then for your lemon juice I highly recommend squeezing it fresh at home. It only takes a couple of minutes. This way will provide you with a much better-quality drink and the brightness of the lemon will really stand out. Make sure you check out my post on fresh vs bottled citrus juice here.
Now for egg whites! I know it can sound a bit gross, but this is what is going to give you that beautiful velvety foamy factor that is essential to any sour. If you want a vegan alternative, you can use aquafaba to make a Pisco Sour without egg. Learn more about the purpose of egg whites and substitutes here.
Finally, it’s on to our sugar syrup. For sours I like to use a rich syrup that can be created by mixing sugar and water at a 2:1 ratio. Learn how to make your own sugar syrup at home here.
You can also add in a dash or two of Angostura Bitters if you feel your Pisco is lacking in herbaceous notes or is a bit on the sweet side.
Below is a recipe for a Pisco Sour cocktail. By following the recipe, you are on your way to bringing a little bit of South America into your home or bar.
Grab your cocktail essentials and let’s go!
A Pisco Sour
Equipment
- 1 Jigger
- Ice
- Coupe Glass – Use a rocks glass if you want to serve the drink over ice.
Ingredients
- 50 ml Pisco
- 25 ml Lemon Juice
- 15 ml Egg White – To make the drink vegan you can substitute egg white for aquafaba.
- 12.5 ml Sugar Syrup
- 1 Lime Peel
Instructions
- Place 50 ml Pisco, 25 ml Lemon Juice, 15 ml Egg White and 12.5 ml Sugar Syrup in your shaker.
- Add ice and shake vigorously until the shaker becomes cold.
- Strain the mixture back into the shaker and discard the ice,
- Shake again without ice to incorporate air into the drink.
- Fine strain the mixture into your glass.
- Garnish with 1 Lime Peel.
- Now your ready to serve up some delicious Pisco Sours!
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