Pisco Sour
Celebrate Latin Heritage Month with this authentic Pisco Sour recipe, a classic Peruvian cocktail known for its refreshing blend of Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and a frothy egg white top. Perfectly balanced with a hint of bitters, this cocktail is both zesty and smooth, making it an ideal drink for any occasion. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions and tips for variations to create your own perfect Pisco Sour at home. Cheers to flavor, tradition, and great company!
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Jigger (for measuring ingredients)
- 1 Citrus juicer (for fresh lime juice)
- 1 Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a smoother cocktail)
- 1 Cocktail strainer (Hawthorne strainer)
- 1 Coupe glass or old-fashioned glass (for serving)
- 1 Bar spoon (optional, for stirring or garnishing)
- Ice (for chilling the cocktail)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Pisco The star of the show, Pisco is a grape brandy from Peru or Chile, known for its smooth, aromatic qualities.
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup Made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, simple syrup sweetens the cocktail without altering its texture.
- 1 Egg White This is the secret to the Pisco Sour's signature frothiness.
- 2-3 Drops Angostura Bitters A dash of bitters adds complexity and a hint of spice, cutting through the sweetness.
- Ice For shaking and chilling the drink.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Squeeze fresh lime juice and prepare the simple syrup in advance. If you're new to making cocktails, remember that fresh ingredients always make a difference!
- Combine Ingredients in a Shaker: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of Pisco, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz of simple syrup, and the egg white. Don't add the ice just yet!
- Dry Shake: Seal the shaker and shake vigorously without ice. This "dry shake" helps to emulsify the egg white, creating that desirable frothy top layer.
- Add Ice and Shake Again: Open the shaker, add a handful of ice, and shake again until the outside of the shaker is cold to the touch. This chills the drink and further froths the egg white.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or old-fashioned glass. The froth should form a thick layer on top.
- Garnish with Bitters: Add 2-3 drops of Angostura bitters on top of the froth. For a decorative touch, use a toothpick to swirl the bitters into a pattern.
- Enjoy Immediately: The Pisco Sour is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right away and savor the blend of flavors.
Notes
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can increase the amount of simple syrup to 1 oz.
- Play with Bitters: While Angostura bitters are traditional, you can experiment with other types, like orange or chocolate bitters, for a unique twist.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For a non-alcoholic version, replace the Pisco with a non-alcoholic spirit that mimics the flavor profile of Pisco, and omit the egg white if preferred.
- Use a Blender: For a different texture, you can blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen Pisco Sour.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of grapefruit juice along with the lime for a citrusy twist.