Pisco Sour
Peru's frothy national cocktail blending grape brandy, lime, sugar, and egg white with a bitters finale.
16%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
History & Heritage
“Created in the early 20th century by American bartender Victor Morris at his Lima bar, the Pisco Sour melded Peruvian pisco with the sour template and silky egg white. The drink spread through South America, eventually becoming Peru's national cocktail—with its own holiday—while Chile stakes a claim with a slightly different style.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Dry shake pisco, lime, syrup, and egg white to emulsify
Add ice and shake again until frothy and cold
Strain into a chilled coupe and dot with bitters in a decorative pattern
Glassware
Served up in a small coupe or sour glass
Garnish
Dotted atop foam
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a reverse dry shake for extra stable foam
Chill the glass to preserve the meringue-like head
Dot the bitters using a dropper to create designs
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Pisco Sour.
Vegan Sour
Aquafaba replaces egg white for a plant-based foam.
Changes
Bitters Barista
Uses cinnamon or cocoa bitters for aromatic variation.
Changes
Chilean Pisco Sour
Chilean style with pisco, lemon juice, and powdered sugar, often without egg white.
Changes
Maracuyá Sour
Adds passion fruit purée for a tropical, tangy twist.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Planter's Punch
Dark rum punch with citrus and spice—the Caribbean's signature party drink.
Daiquiri
A crisp Cuban rum sour that showcases perfect balance—just rum, lime and sugar shaken icy cold.
Gimlet
A crisp blend of gin and lime that began as a naval ration and evolved into a minimalist classic.