A Pisco Sour is a refreshing cocktail that’s made with pisco, lime, egg white, and sugar. The drink has Peruvian origins and is the national cocktail of Peru and Chile. A shaken egg white gives the drink a creamy froth on top and a few dashes of Angostura bitters finishes the drink to perfection.
Related: Sweet and Sour Mix, Whiskey Sours, Amaretto Sour, Hibiscus Sour, Gin Fizz, The Last Word.
What is Pisco?
Pisco is a South American grape-distilled brandy that goes back to the 16th century that has herbaceous and floral notes. Unlike whiskey which is aged in oak barrels, pisco doesn’t have earthy or woody notes, but a fruity flavor instead.
Is raw egg safe to drink in a cocktail?
When using pasteurized egg whites from a store, the chances of getting sick from bacteria is extremely small. However, if you are in a vulnerable category, you can try using aquafaba (chickpea water) for a similar effect in your drink.
Ingredients
- Pisco: This brandy may be a special order from your local liquor store but the extra effort is worth it!
- Lime: Fresh lime is a must for this drink, so try not to use bottled lime unless absolutely necessary.
- Egg White: A pasteurized egg white shaken into the drink will give it a foamy froth that makes the drink rich and creamy.
- Simple Syrup: The simple syrup adds a sweetness to the drink and you can adjust your sweetness level to taste (and you can easily make your own simple syrup as well!).
- Angostura bitters: Just a few drops on top will add the finishing touch to your drink or you can try this brand which is favored in Peru.
A Pisco Sour is usually served in a Nick & Nora glass or coupe-style glass, but you can also use a shorter rocks glass.
Directions
Add the pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker without ice (called a dry shake) and shake vigorously.
To chill the drink, add ice to the shaker and shake again until cold.
Strain into a glass and add a few dashes of bitters to your froth to finish.
Tips for Making
- You can use lime or lemon juice for this cocktail, so try both and see which you prefer.
- If your drink is too tart, you can add a little more simple syrup to counteract the sweetness.
- If you like blended drinks, try making a Frozen Pisco Sour!
More Recipes To Try
- Similar Drinks – If you love this recipe, you have to try a Whiskey Sours or an Amaretto Sour.
- Appetizers – 30+ Easy Finger Foods for a Party
- Meals – 60+ Easy Dinner Ideas
- Mocktails (no alcohol) – Shirley Temple, Roy Rogers, Virgin Mojito
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an nonalcoholic Pisco Sour?
To turn this into a mocktail, replace the pisco with ginger ale or ginger beer to make it an alcohol-free drink.
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces pisco
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (more or less to taste)
- 1 egg white
- Angostura bitters to garnish
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
Instructions
- Add the pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker without ice (called a dry shake) and shake vigorously.
- To chill the drink, add ice to the shaker and shake again until cold.
- Strain into a glass and add a few dashes of bitters to your froth to finish.
Notes
Tips for Making
- You can use lime or lemon juice for this cocktail, so try both and see which you prefer.
- If your drink is too tart, you can add a little more simple syrup to counteract the sweetness.
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
looks delicious.
SO delicious! Never had this before!
Love this classic!
Loved this cocktail since we visited Chile!