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.
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
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