Name: Pisco Sour
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 oz. Pisco (I use @barsolpisco); 1 oz. lime juice; 1/2 oz. simple syrup; 1 egg white; 3 drops Angostura bitters (I use @kingfloyds)

Pisco Sour

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Did you know the Pisco Sour was the first cocktail I ever learned how to make? I was on a family trip to Peru back in 2014 and we took a Pisco Sour class. And to answer your question, yes, it will always taste better in Peru. But, making this recipe at home is pretty good too!

Watch Me Make a Pisco Sour

How to Make a Pisco Sour

In a cocktail shaker add Pisco, egg white, simple syrup, and lime juice.
Dry shake for 20 seconds (without ice).
Add ice and shake again.
Strain into a glass and top with angostura bitters.

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Pisco Sour Ingredients

Pisco

A type of grape brandy made from fermented grape juice, aka wine. It comes from Peru (where I first learned how to make it with my family!) as well as in Chile. It has a sort of fruity, floral flavor, kind of like white wine but with more a boozy kick. Once you have a good bottle of Pisco, like Barsol, you can get creative with the flavor combinations.

Egg White

Egg whites are often used in cocktails to create a creamy foamy texture. Check out this guide to cocktail foaming agents like egg whites and other (vegan) alternatives, plus pros, cons, and tips for making foamy cocktails.

Lime Juice

I only take my lime juice fresh-squeezed, thank you! And so should you. A classic Pisco Sour can go from great to terrible if you don’t use fresh lime juice and that’s because there’a really no where to hide in a cocktail with just so few simple ingredients.

Simple Syrup

You can buy simple syrup online or in many grocery stores. But making your own simple syrup at home is really easy, too. And if you make a big batch, you can store it for all your cocktailing needs.

Here’s where you can deviate from the classic Pisco Sour by playing with the flavors of your syrups. Simple syrup is the base for the classic recipe, but you could really play up the tropical Peruvian vibes by using coconut syrup.

Angostura Bitters

This orange concentrated bitter gives cocktails a little je ne sais quoi! Angostura bitters are made from a bitter root called gentian on the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago and balances the bitterness with notes of citrus and island spices. Three little drops on top of your Pisco Sour is all you need. I love using King Floyd’s Bitters.

Tips for Making the Best Pisco Sour

Using fresh ingredients like fresh-squeezed lime juice and homemade simple syrup really is the way to go. With so few ingredients, every one counts.
When making cocktails with egg whites, it’s important to shake twice. First without ice for a dry shake, then with ice to get it frothy!
Make sure to strain your cocktail into your prepared (chilled!) glass. This keeps all the lime pulp and ice shards from getting into your final cocktail.

Why You’ll Love a Pisco Sour

If you love other kinds of classic sours (usually with citrus juice and egg white) like a Whiskey Sour, New York Sour, Gin Sour, Negroni Sour, or Amaretto Sour, then you’ll probably love a Pisco Sour.
A Pisco Sour is tart, bright, and refreshing, making it the perfect Summer Cocktail, especially when you wish you were on vacation (in Peru).