Pisco Sour

Sour cocktails are a category of mixed drinks that are characterized by their tart and refreshing taste. These cocktails typically combine a base spirit, a sour component (usually citrus juice), and a sweetener to balance out the acidity. One such cocktail for example is the Scotch Sour.

The classic Pisco Sour, a unique and refreshing sour cocktail, has its roots in South America, specifically in Peru and Chile. The cocktail’s history is often attributed to a charismatic American bartender named Victor Vaughen Morris (Victor Morris). Morris settled in Peru and in 1916 opened a bar in Lima called the “Morris’ Bar”. This establishment became the birthplace of the Pisco Sour.

The cocktail quickly gained popularity among Peruvian aristocrats and English-speaking foreigners, and the recipe was refined and perfected over time, resulting in the classic Pisco Sour we know today.

However, over the years the Pisco Sour’s popularity has transcended borders, becoming Peru’s and Chile’s national drink.

The Pisco Sour is a semi-floral and herbaceous blend of Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white that results in a refreshing and delightful cocktail.

Pisco is a South American grape brandy that serves as the base spirit for the cocktail. It contributes a unique, grape-derived character to the drink and adds a touch of warmth to the overall flavor.

Freshly squeezed lime juice is the sour component of the cocktail. Its citrusy tanginess provides the classic sour taste that defines the Pisco Sour.

Simple syrup, a sweetener made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, balances the acidity of the lime juice, creating a sweet-tart flavor profile.

The inclusion of egg white in Pisco Sour is a signature element of the cocktail, giving it a creamy and frothy texture. The egg white also softens the acidity of the lime juice, creating a smoother mouthfeel.

Angostura Bitters are traditionally used to garnish the Pisco Sour. A few dashes of this aromatic bitters on top of the frothy egg white create a visually pleasing and aromatic finish.

In recent years, the craft cocktail movement has further elevated the status of Pisco Sour, with bartenders experimenting with various Pisco varieties, adding their unique twists, and introducing new variations of the classic recipe. As a result, Pisco Sour continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary tastes while preserving its core characteristics.

Pisco Sour Recipe

1. 60 ml pisco

2. 30 ml fresh lime juice

3. 15 ml simple syrup

4. 1 egg white

5. Ice

6. Garnish: Angostura bitters