Peru is renowned for its delectable and traditional cuisine, which pairs perfectly with an equally impressive array of cocktails. While the country’s gastronomy is world-famous, its refreshing beverages are often overlooked – but not by us! From ancient Incan concoctions to modern twists, Peru’s cocktail scene offers a diverse range of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Sweet, sour, bitter, and everything in between, each drink has its unique personality that’s sure to leave you wanting more. And the best part? These refreshing drinks aren’t just limited to chilled libations – warm options are also available to soothe your nerves. If you’re looking for a Peruvian cocktail break, we recommend trying Pisco Sour or Maracuya Sour for a taste of something sweet and sour.
Or, if you prefer a cozier experience, Caspiroleta, Canelazo, and Algarrobina are great options that will transport you to a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Pisco Sour
Peru’s beloved Pisco Sour is a quintessential cocktail that has won over hearts with its unique blend of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors. This clear and bright drink, topped with a foamy white texture, is a staple on restaurant menus and bar counters alike. Its citrusy taste bears a striking resemblance to a margarita, but with a complexity that jumps from sweet to herbal to bitter notes.
What’s more, Pisco Sour is surprisingly simple to make, requiring only four key ingredients: Pisco brandy, freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white, topped off with a few drops of bitters. To craft this refreshing cocktail, simply combine all the ingredients in a shaker, give it a good stir, pour it into a glass, and finish it off with a splash of bitters on top.
With its intriguing flavor profile and deceivingly simple preparation, Pisco Sour is an absolute must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.
Maracuya Sour
Combining maracuya or passion fruit with pisco elevates the flavor profile to a fruity and tropical paradise. When crafting this delightful concoction, you’ll require four essential components: pisco, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and passion fruit pulp. To bring these flavors together in harmony, simply blend all the ingredients in a single vessel. Once mixed, pour the resulting liquid into a glass filled to the brim with ice, and voilà! Your refreshing drink is ready to quench your thirst.
Chilcano
Peruvian Delight: Chilcano Cocktail Refreshes With Ease Chilcano, a revitalizing Peruvian cocktail, is surprisingly simple to craft. Its three essential ingredients – ginger ale, pisco, and lime juice – combine harmoniously to quench your thirst. To prepare this divine drink, start by filling a glass with ice. Add pisco and a squeeze of lime juice, then top it off with ginger ale. For a touch of elegance, garnish the rim of the glass with a lime wheel.
As you take your first sip, let the refreshing flavors transport you to a sunny Peruvian afternoon.
Chicha Morada
In Peru, Chicha Morada is a beloved drink that’s enjoyed by many. Its unique flavor profile is derived from the main ingredient: purple corn, grown in the Andes Mountains. As a non-alcoholic beverage, it’s a refreshing choice for those looking to indulge without the added effects of alcohol. To prepare this Peruvian delight, you’ll need a few key components: purple corn, pineapple, lime juice, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, sugar, and diced apple.
Begin by filling a large pot with water, then add the dried purple corn, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and peels from the pineapple and apple. Be sure to include the fruit wastes, as they play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until all the flavors have melded together. Once the liquid has reached the desired consistency, add lime juice and sugar to taste.
Next, strain the mixture and chill it before serving. With its unique blend of sweet and tangy notes, Chicha Morada is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Chicha De Jora
In Peru, Chicha De Jora is a beloved beverage that’s enjoyed in many cities. What’s even more exciting is that you can create this beer at home. The process begins by boiling jora, a type of yellow maize that’s been soaked in water. Next, strain the jora corn and cook it on low heat for eight hours, then add chancaca and sugar, stirring until they dissolve. Once prepared, fill a large vessel with the Chicha De Jora mixture and let it ferment for several days.
After fermentation, sweeten the beer to taste and enjoy your authentic Peruvian brew. With slight variations, Chicha De Frutilla is essentially the same recipe with the added sweetness of strawberries and sugar, making it an even sweeter treat.
Caspiroleta
Indulge in a sense of warmth and comfort with Caspiroleta, an invigorating drink that’s sure to put you at ease. The unique blend of ingredients – sugar, cinnamon stick, milk, eggs (with whites and yolks separated), pisco, and vanilla essence – will transport you to a cozy haven. To prepare this soothing concoction, start by boiling the milk with a cinnamon stick over medium heat. Next, whisk together the egg whites and yolks, gradually incorporating the boiled milk into the mixture.
Finally, add a dash of vanilla essence and pisco, stirring until well combined. Finish your Caspiroleta off with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and you’ll be ready to curl up with a warm cup of comfort.
Canelazo
In the heart of Peru, Canelazo is a beloved beverage that warms the spirits. This aromatic drink combines spices and a hint of sweetness to create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for sipping after a meal or as a wintertime treat. The subtle amber hue only adds to its charm. To craft this Peruvian delight, you’ll need a few basic kitchen staples: lime juice, salt, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and orange juice.
For an added layer of complexity, aguardiente or rum can be incorporated, while Chicha De Jora (corn beer) lends a unique twist. The process begins by boiling water with lime juice, sugar, salt, and cinnamon sticks. Once the mixture is removed from heat, orange juice and aguardiente are added, followed by a gentle re-warming to preserve the alcohol’s potency. A crucial note: be mindful not to reboil the mixture, as this will cause the liquor to evaporate.
Presenting Canelazo in a sugar-rimmed glass adds a touch of elegance, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or everyday enjoyment.
Algarrobina
In Peru, Algarrobina is a beloved beverage that’s often associated with femininity due to its sweet and indulgent flavor profile. However, this comforting drink is more than just a girly pleasure – it’s a rich cultural tradition rooted in the country’s culinary heritage.
The foundation of Algarrobina is the Algarrobina syrup, extracted from the algarrobo tree.
This unique ingredient is blended with pisco, condensed milk, egg white, and ground cinnamon to create a creamy, fluffy, and velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
To prepare this delightful drink, simply combine all the ingredients in a blender, mix until smooth, pour into a glass, and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. The egg white is the secret ingredient that elevates Algarrobina to new heights, giving it a luxurious and creamy consistency.
With its complex flavor profile and velvety texture, the classic Algarrobina is ready to be savored and enjoyed.
Leche De Monja
Imagine sipping on a frothy Leche De Monja cocktail, its creamy texture and sweet flavor transporting you to a world of pure bliss. But what makes this nun’s milk-inspired drink so special? For starters, it’s remarkably simple to create. All you need are four basic ingredients: eggs, sugar, lime juice, and pisco. The key is in the preparation. Begin by marinating the eggs in lime juice for 2-3 weeks, allowing the flavors to meld together in harmony.
When you’re ready to serve, simply pour everything into a blender, add a splash of pisco and a spoonful of sugar, and voilà! Your Leche De Monja is born. This delightful concoction has its roots in the tradition of nuns making it for bishops – hence the name that speaks to its rich history.
Don Alfredo
Peruvian Pisco-based Cocktails Have Captured Global Attention, But One Classic Recipe Reigns Supreme: The Pisco Sour. This revitalizing cocktail has gained widespread acclaim not only in its native Peru but also internationally, where pisco is readily available. Its preparation involves a harmonious blend of elderflower liqueur, pisco, and lime juice. To enhance the drink’s chill factor, simply add ice to the mixture. For an added layer of refreshment, introduce soda water to the equation.
Finally, consider garnishing with mint or lemon slices for a visually appealing and tantalizing treat that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.
Paloma
Paloma is a revitalizing cocktail that shares a similar allure to margaritas. While its traditional counterpart features tequila and Squirt soda, modern palomas have evolved to incorporate tequila and grapefruit juice instead. This refreshing drink is perfect for savoring during the warmer months, offering a harmonious balance of flavors that neither overpowers nor underwhelms.
When you take your first sip, the chilled lime and pink grapefruit juice combination will instantly invigorate you with its revitalizing zing. What’s more, crafting this cocktail is remarkably straightforward – simply combine lime juice, pink grapefruit juice, salt, and tequila, mix well, and serve over crushed ice in a glass. For an added touch of flair, garnish the rim with a grapefruit wedge or opt for a salt-rimmed glass.
With its crisp, revitalizing taste, you’ll be treated to a delightful burst of flavor. In Peru, where an array of fresh fruits are readily available, it’s no surprise that fresh juices like banana and grapefruit are staples – not to mention the national soft drink, Inca Kola, which boasts a unique bubblegum flavor.
The bottom line
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking to beat the heat on a sweltering summer weekend, there’s no shortage of refreshing cocktail options to explore. Try whipping up some easy recipes to brighten your mood and enjoy them by the fire with a good book during the quiet winter nights, or share them with loved ones during festive celebrations.
For even more inspiration, check out these curated collections: 21 Low Calorie Cocktails, 13 Lively Greek Cocktails, 21 BEST Mezcal Cocktails, 30 Easy Summer Cocktails, and 21 BEST Coffee Cocktails. And if you’re a fan of Peruvian cuisine, be sure to give their flavorful cocktails a try. 🍹
