Chilcano
The Chilcano is a cornerstone of Peruvian cocktail culture, standing proudly alongside the more famous Pisco Sour. It is a wonderfully simple and thirst-quenching highball that lets the unique character of Pisco shine. The combination of grape brandy, zesty lime, and spicy ginger ale creates a perfectly balanced and effervescent drink. Finished with a few aromatic dashes of bitters, it's an incredibly easy-to-make cocktail ideal for warm weather and casual sipping.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Chilcano is a classic cocktail that belongs to the highball family of drinks. Highballs are characterized by a base spirit mixed with a larger proportion of a carbonated, non-alcoholic mixer. This preparation results in a tall, refreshing, and typically less alcoholic-tasting beverage.
Serving
The Chilcano is a cold, tall drink served in a chilled highball glass packed with ice. It has a relatively low alcohol by volume, making it a perfect session cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The Chilcano is believed to have been created in Peru in the late 19th or early 20th century by Italian immigrants. They adapted their traditional "Buon Giorno" drink, made with grappa and ginger ale, using the local spirit, Pisco. The cocktail's name is thought to be a reference to a restorative Peruvian fish-head soup, "Chilcano de Pescado," as the drink was similarly regarded as a refreshing pick-me-up or hangover cure.
Origin
Peru, late 19th or early 20th century.
Chilcano
The drink's full name is Chilcano de Pisco, highlighting its base spirit, the grape brandy of Peru. It is most commonly referred to simply as a Chilcano. Some may also call it a Pisco Chilcano, particularly outside of its home country.
Original name
Chilcano de Pisco
Alternative name
Pisco Chilcano
Characteristics overview
This cocktail is defined by its crisp and refreshing character, with a light body and lively carbonation. The primary flavors are tart lime and spicy ginger, balanced by the subtle fruity and floral notes of the Pisco.
Flavor
Crisp, refreshing, citrusy, spicy, grapey, light
Aroma
Lime zest, ginger, herbal, grape, subtle spice
Taste balance
Sour, sweet, spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, short, refreshing
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Pale straw, translucent, clear
Texture
Light-bodied, thin, carbonated
Seasonality
Summery, refreshing, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Chilcano has a moderate flavor intensity, led by a refreshing sourness and a gentle ginger spice. It's not overly sweet or alcoholic, with a high level of carbonation that keeps the palate clean and crisp.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You only need four simple ingredients for a classic Chilcano: Peruvian Pisco as the base, fresh lime juice, a quality ginger ale to top, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Pisco60 ml / 2 ozA Quebranta Pisco is traditional and provides a nice body, but an Acholado blend is also excellent.
- Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozMust be freshly squeezed for best results.
- Ginger Ale120 ml / 4 oz, to topChoose a high-quality ginger ale with a good ginger kick.
- Angostura Aromatic Bitters2-3 dashesFloated on top to provide an aromatic bouquet with each sip.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No shaker is required for this drink. You will only need a jigger for accurate measurements and a long bar spoon to gently combine the ingredients in the glass.
- Jigger for measuring
- Bar spoon for stirring
Instructions
Making a Chilcano is incredibly easy as it's built directly in the glass. Simply combine Pisco and lime juice over ice, top with ginger ale, stir gently, and finish with bitters and a lime garnish.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the Pisco and freshly squeezed lime juice into the glass.
3. Top the glass with cold ginger ale.
4. Gently stir with a bar spoon just once or twice to combine, being careful not to dissipate the carbonation.
5. Add 2 to 3 dashes of Angostura bitters directly on top of the drink's surface.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel and serve immediately.
Garnishing
A simple garnish of a fresh lime wedge or wheel is all that's needed to complement the drink's flavors and appearance.
- Lime wedge or wheel, placed on the rim or dropped into the glass.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally vegan and vegetarian, and it is free from common allergens including gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is also a caffeine-free beverage.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The Chilcano is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, typically containing around 150-180 kcal. Its carbohydrate and sugar content primarily comes from the ginger ale used as a mixer.
Calories
Approximately 150-180 kcal / 627-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 11-14 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is an incredibly versatile drink, perfect for sunny afternoons, summer parties, and casual gatherings. Its simplicity and refreshing nature also make it an excellent choice for an after-work drink or a happy hour special.
- Summer party
- Casual get-together
- After-work drink
- Happy hour
Pairing suggestions
The crisp, acidic profile of the Chilcano makes it an exceptional partner for Peruvian cuisine, especially fresh seafood dishes like ceviche. Its refreshing nature also cuts through the richness of grilled meats and complements a variety of salty, savory snacks, cleansing the palate beautifully.
- Ceviche
- Light seafood dishes
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Salty snacks like cancha (toasted corn) or plantain chips
Chilcano: The Crisp and Refreshing Spirit of Peru
The Chilcano represents the simple, refreshing side of Peruvian mixology. As a crisp and effervescent highball, it offers a fantastic introduction to the unique flavors of Pisco, Peru's national spirit. Its straightforward preparation and perfectly balanced taste profile of citrus, spice, and grape make it an incredibly approachable and enjoyable cocktail. Whether as an alternative to the Pisco Sour or as a standalone favorite, the Chilcano is a timeless classic that deserves global recognition.
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