Every first Saturday of February, Peru celebrates ‘Día del Pisco Sour’, an annual holiday that is all about one drink: the Pisco Sour. This originally Peruvian cocktail is made with Pisco, lime juice, sugar syrup and egg white. There are various ways to celebrate: at a cocktail bar, a Peruvian restaurant or at home – the decision is only yours.
Pisco is also known as the spirit of Peru and is an important part of Peruvian history, culture and gastronomy. The delicate distillate is made from one or a blend of eight ‘Pisco’ grapes. Ideal to combine with sweet and sour: sugar syrup and lime juice. Add egg white and a few drops of ‘Chuncho’ or Angostura bitters, et voilà: the Pisco Sour!
Originated in Lima
At the beginning of the 20th century, Peru’s aristocrats and intellectuals met in the bars and cafes of Lima. One of the most popular bars was ‘Morris Bar’, owned by American Victor Morris, who inspired by the whiskey sour recipe, poured the first Pisco Sour in the 1920s. Over the years, his staff perfected the recipe and since then the Pisco Sour is the cocktail of Peru.
Where to find Pisco Sour?
Pisco Sour has found its way to many (cocktail) bars in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Now that the hospitality industry is open again, you can go to one of the following venues for a good Pisco Sour or make a reservation at one of the Peruvian restaurants below:
Cocktail Bars
Amsterdam: The Tailor, Super Lyan, NENI Amsterdam, Rocca Amsterdam, Rosalia’s Menagerie, Bar Dó, Malabar, Rum Barrel, Flying Dutchmen Cocktails.
Rotterdam: Supermercado Rotterdam
Utrecht: Rum Club
The Hague: Tapisco
Brussels: Life is beautiful, Arthur Orlans
Leuven: Bar Nine
Gent: Mosquito Coast, Fugazi
Antwerp: Bar Burbure, Bar Zar, Belroy’s Mas, Belroy’s Bijou, Cocktails at Nine
Luxembourg: Bar:Bar
Peruvian Restaurants
Amsterdam: Peruvian Cuisine*, Casa Peru, Nazka
The Hague: Somos Peru*, Callao
Delft: Inca Mania
Maastricht: Lima 81
Amstelveen: Pachamama on Wheels
Haarlem: Maita
Brussels: El Galpon*, Dimension Latina
Gent: Poco Loco*
Luxembourg: Kay*, Cusqueñita, Mad about Peru
* Restaurants offering special offers during Pisco Sour Day
Celebrate at home
The simplicity of Pisco Sour makes it easy to prepare at home. No shaker? No worries, you can also use a blender.
Recipe Pisco Sour, 1 glass
60 ml Peruvian Pisco
30 ml lime juice
15 ml sugar syrup
1 egg white
4 ice cubes
3 drops of Chuncho or Angostura bitters
Place the Pisco, lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white and ice cubes in a shaker. Shake for 8 to 10 seconds. Pour into a chilled glass and add three drops of bitters.