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Pisco Sour

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posted: 08/16/24

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

The Pisco Sour is a classic cocktail that you will absolutely love. Made with Pisco brandy and a few other ingredients, this sweet and sour cocktail is delicious.

A few months ago, one of my kiddos had an assignment where they needed to go to a Spanish restaurant for their Spanish class. I was like a kid on Christmas morning. There is nothing that I love more than new restaurants, and my family tends to enjoy the same old haunts.

Armed with a list of restaurants from the teacher, we found one that was a mix of Spanish and Peruvian cuisine. We all ordered things that took us out of our comfort zone, and we could not have been happier. The food was amazing! The drinks were, too! Nathan and I decided to try their Pisco Sour, and it was far more delicious than we expected.

The Pisco Sour is an easy recipe to make at home once you get your hands on some Pisco brandy. This simple cocktail is bound to become a new favorite in your house.

bottle of pisco brandy and a cocktail jigger to make a pisco sour cocktail

Pisco Sour Ingredients

Here is what makes up this delightful cocktail. Be sure to reference the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and their measurements.

  • Pisco brandy: The base spirit for a Pisco Sour cocktail. Pisco provides a smooth, fruity flavor with hints of citrus and floral. Pisco brandy is made by fermenting grapes and is essential for the authentic taste of this cocktail; it will not be the same if you use another type of brandy.
  • Fresh lemon juice: While you could use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, freshly squeezed will give the cocktail the best and freshest flavor.
  • Simple syrup: Adds sweetness to the Pisco Sour and dissolves into cold liquids better than just plain sugar. It is super easy to make your own simple syrup to keep on hand for all of your favorite cocktails.
  • Egg white: Gives the Pisco Sour its signature frothy texture. Read more on using egg whites in cocktails below. You’re welcome to make this recipe with no egg, but it won’t have the ideal frothy, creamy texture.
  • Angostura bitters: Just a few drops are used as a garnish for the Pisco Sour. These aromatic bitters add a complex, spicy flavor with hints of clove and cinnamon, complementing the other ingredients.

Simple Syrup

Simple Syrup is essential for any home bar. With just two ingredients, it is so easy to make and with my instructions, you can make it in so many different flavors!
Photo of a spoon over a jar of Simple Syrup recipe. Lime wedges, cocktail jigger, and bottles of cointreau, gin, and bitters beside jar.
man's hand pouring cocktail shaker of pisco sour ingredients into a coupe glass. Glass of pisco sour sitting in background

How to Make a Pisco Sour

Here is a brief overview of how this cocktail comes together. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Combine ingredients. Add the pisco, simple syrup, egg white, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  • Give it a good shake. Shake vigorously for at least one minute or until the drink is nice and frothy.
  • Strain and garnish. Strain the frothy drink mixture into a glass. Garnish with three drops of Angostura bitters.
coupe glass of Pisco Sour cocktail with another pisco sour sitting in background

Cocktails With Egg Whites

Just like the gin fizz or whiskey sour, a key element to the pisco sour experience is the creamy, foamy top. The key to achieving this is using a raw egg white. Use a pasteurized egg for food safety purposes.

If your drink isn’t getting as frothy as you’d like, you can do a dry shake. Before adding ice, shake the ingredients (Pisco, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white) without ice. This “dry shake” helps to emulsify the egg white and create a better foam. After the dry shake, add ice and shake again to chill and dilute the cocktail.

coupe glass of Pisco Sour cocktail with another pisco sour sitting in background.

Other Great Cocktails

If you try this Pisco Sour recipe or any of my other recipes, I’d love to know what you think! Leave a comment and let me know how you enjoyed it.

coupe glass of Pisco Sour cocktail
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Pisco Sour

Serves: 1 cocktail
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
The Pisco Sour is a classic cocktail that you will absolutely love. Made with Pisco Brandy and a few other ingredients, this sweet and sour cocktail is delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces Pisco brandy
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 1 egg white
  • 3 drops Angostura bitters

Instructions

  • Add the ingredients to a metal shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for at least one minute.
  • When the drink is nice and frothy, strain it into a glass. Garnish with 3 drops of bitters.
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Peruvian
coupe glass of Pisco Sour cocktail

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Pisco Sour

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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