On February 1 we celebrate Pisco Sour Day a day to enjoy the tangy, citrusy flavour from the lime juice, balanced by the smooth, slightly sweet notes of pisco where the egg white adds a creamy texture, while a dash of bitters provides a subtle aromatic finish. However, it is a type ko classic cocktail which is made with pisco a a type of brandy produced in Peru and Chile, along with lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters.
Do you know that this drink called Pisco Sour has a rich history and is a beloved symbol of Peruvian culture this drink is one of the most popular cocktails in many many Peruvian celebrations, and almost every bar and restaurant across Peru serves it.
History of Pisco Sour Day
Did you know that, the birth of vineyards was in the 16th century in Peru and Chile led to the production of ‘aguardiente’ which is a strong alcoholic drink distilled from fermented grapes? Later on, Peruvians adopted the name of the place this drink that shipped out: Pisco. And later on chile embraced the name change and called their ‘aguardiente’ Pisco.
Talking in depth about the history the Pisco Sour are hotly that was debated by mixologists and historians, which is a common story that involves the American bartender Victor Vaughen Morris who, if he didn’t invent the drink and certainly helped make it extremely famous in Peru and the world.
While he was working at a railway company in Peru, Morris was put in charge of overseeing celebrations on the completion of a railway project at that time and halfway through the party, Morris realized that the nearly 5000 guests had consumed all the whiskey. So, he mixed Pisco into a cocktail and accidentally created the Pisco Sour (or what we’d call version one).
Later on in the year 1916 Morris opened his own bar in Lima, Peru, and the very first mention of the Pisco Sour occurred in the year 1920, the September issue of “Hogar,” a Peruvian magazine. However it was believed that the subsequent articles and advertisements also attribute Morris as the inventor of this drink, although the people of Chile believe the Pisco Sour was invented by English steward Elliot Stubb in 1872 in Chile.
In the year 1924 a bartender under Morris’ apprenticeship, Mario Bruiget, added egg whites and Angostura bitters, he created the new version of the drink currently we are drinking. The Chilean version of the Pisco Sour began making the rounds by 1927; then, after Morris’ bar closed down in 1929, his bartenders took the Pisco Sour recipe to their new jobs, spreading the drink all over Peru. Later on in the 1930s saw this drink in California, and thirty years later in New York.
| 1988 (Source of National Pride) | The Pisco Sour is declared part of Peru’s national heritage by their National Institute of Culture. |
| 2003 (Our Day Is Born) | First comes National Pisco Sour Day — an official government holiday in Peru — which leads to establishing an International Pisco Sour Day so the world can enjoy this drink too. |
| 2010 (A Pisco Fountain) | In Lima, local authorities team up with a Peruvian supermarket chain to temporarily convert a central water fountain at a plaza into a pisco fountain. |
| 2017 (Guess Who Loves Pisco Sours?) | Ed Sheeran publicly states his preference for Peruvian Pisco Sour while interviewing at a Chilean radio station. |
Classic Pisco Sour Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 oz pisco
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg white (or 1 oz aquafaba for a vegan option)
- A few dashes of Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Lime slice or twist (for garnish)
How to make:
- If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then cool.
- In a cocktail shaker, add pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba).
- Shake the mixture without ice for about 10-15 seconds.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Add a few dashes of bitters on top and garnish with a lime slice or twist.
- Enjoy your refreshing Pisco Sour.
Activities for Pisco Sour Day
Here are the some of the activities that you can do on Pisco Sour Day,
1. Pisco Sour Tasting Party:- On this day you can gather friends and family for a tasting event and prepare classic Pisco Sours and various variations to explore different flavors.
2. Pisco Sour Making Workshop:- Host a cocktail making class where participants can learn to make the perfect Pisco Sour. Also, you can provide all the ingredients and guide them through the process.
3. Recipe Contest:- You can even encourage guests to create their own unique Pisco Sour recipes. Set up a judging panel to taste and vote on the best creation!
4. Pairing Dinner:- Dinner featuring dishes that complement Pisco Sour, such as ceviche, grilled seafood, or Peruvian-inspired appetizers.
5. Virtual Celebration:- If you can’t gather in person, host a virtual cocktail party. Send out ingredient lists in advance and mix drinks together online.
6. Pisco Distillery Tour:- If you’re near a pisco distillery, consider taking a tour to learn about the production process and the history behind pisco.
7. Pisco Sour Trivia:- Create a trivia game focused on the history, ingredients, and cultural significance of Pisco Sour and pisco itself.
8. Social Media Challenge:- Encourage friends to post their Pisco Sour creations on social media using a unique hashtag and this can foster a sense of community and celebration.
5 Fun Facts About Pisco And Pisco Sour
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An official flagship product- Also, pisco joins the ranks of other special Peruvian exports such as coffee, cotton, and quinoa.
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Two days of Pisco celebrations- National Pisco Sour Day (also International Pisco Sour Day), then, we have Pisco Day, which is held on the fourth Saturday of July each year.
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The Pisco Punch- Did you know that, Famous writers such as Mark Twain and Rudyard Kipling loved this pineapple-infused pisco drink, which was famous in San Francisco from the late 1800s to the 1900s.
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Pisco Sour-loving celebrity- Ernest Hemingway once declared this as one of his favourite drinks rumor has it that Hollywood legends Ava Garnder and John Wayne also fell in love with this drink while on a trip to Lima, Peru.
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It’s a brandy- By distilling fermented grape juice, Pisco is made just like brandies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Pisco Sour is a delightful cocktail that perfectly blends tangy citrus, smooth pisco, and creamy egg white, creating a refreshing and balanced drink. Moreover, celebrated on International Pisco Sour Day, it’s a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Peru and Chile.
FAQs
What is Pisco?
Pisco is a type of brandy produced in Peru and Chile from fermented grape juice. It’s known for its distinct flavour profile, which varies depending on the grape variety used.
What are the main ingredients in a Pisco Sour?
The classic recipe includes pisco, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and a few dashes of bitters.
Is it safe to use raw egg whites in cocktails?
While many enjoy the texture and froth that egg white provides, some may have concerns about raw eggs. You can use pasteurized egg whites or aquafaba (chickpea brine) as an alternative.
Can I make variations of Pisco Sour?
Yes, You can experiment with different fruits (like passion fruit or mango), flavoured syrups, or even herbs to create unique twists on the classic recipe.
When is International Pisco Sour Day?
International Pisco Sour Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of February each year.
How should a Pisco Sour be served?
It’s typically served chilled in a coupe glass and garnished with a few dashes of bitters and a slice of lime or a twist of citrus peel.
Also, read more about National Baked Alaska Day – February 1, 2025
