Chuflay
The Chuflay is the national cocktail of Bolivia, a testament to the beauty of simplicity. It's a refreshing highball made by combining Singani, a unique Bolivian grape brandy, with ginger ale or a lemon-lime soda. Served over ice with a squeeze of fresh lime, it's the perfect thirst-quencher for a warm day. The floral and fruity notes of the Singani are beautifully complemented by the spicy fizz of the mixer.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Chuflay is a type of cocktail, specifically categorized as a Highball. Highball cocktails are typically made with a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served in a tall glass over ice.
Serving
This drink is served cold in a tall Highball glass filled with ice. Its alcohol content is relatively low, making it a refreshing and easy-drinking cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 8-12% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
Legend attributes the creation of the Chuflay to English railway engineers working in Bolivia in the early 20th century. They supposedly mixed their preferred spirit with a "short fly," a term for a temporary railway track, which slurred into "Chuflay." This simple and refreshing drink quickly gained popularity throughout the nation.
Origin
Bolivia, early 20th century. The drink is deeply ingrained in Bolivian culture and is considered its national cocktail.
Chuflay
The drink is primarily known by its original name, Chuflay. It is sometimes referred to as a Bolivian Highball outside of its home country to describe its composition and origin.
Original name
Chuflay
Alternative name
Bolivian Highball
Characteristics overview
The Chuflay is a light and effervescent drink with a refreshing balance of sweet and sour. It has a floral, grape-forward aroma from the Singani, complemented by the crispness of lime and the spice of ginger ale.
Flavor
Refreshing, crisp, citrusy, spicy ginger, floral, grape notes
Aroma
Aromatic, floral, lime zest, subtle grape
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, short, refreshing
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Pale yellow, translucent, clear
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is light and refreshing, with a moderate fruitiness from the Singani and a prominent fizziness. It is mildly sweet and sour, with a low alcohol presence and a hint of spice from the ginger ale.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You only need three simple ingredients for a classic Chuflay: Singani, ginger ale, and a fresh lime for garnish and flavor.
- Singani60 ml / 2 ozSingani is a Bolivian grape spirit with a Denomination of Origin. If unavailable, an unaged Pisco can be a substitute.
- Ginger Ale120 ml / 4 oz, or to topA quality, spicy ginger ale works best. Lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up is a very common substitute.
- Lime wedge1 wedgeFor squeezing over the drink and dropping in. A lime wheel can also be used for garnish.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed as the drink is built directly in the glass. A bar spoon can be used for a gentle stir if desired.
- Bar spoon for gentle stirring
Instructions
This cocktail is built directly in the serving glass: simply add ice, pour in the Singani, top with ginger ale, and finish with a fresh lime wedge.
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the Singani over the ice.
3. Top with cold ginger ale.
4. Squeeze the lime wedge over the drink and drop it in.
5. Give a gentle stir to combine and serve immediately.
Garnishing
A simple lime wedge or wheel is the traditional garnish, adding a burst of fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
- Lime wedge or wheel, placed on the rim or dropped into the drink.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from common allergens like nuts, soy, and eggs. It is typically caffeine-free, assuming a standard ginger ale is used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The Chuflay is a relatively light cocktail in terms of calories and sugar, with most of its carbohydrates coming from the ginger ale mixer.
Calories
Averagely 140-170 kcal / 585-710 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-15 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The Chuflay is a versatile drink perfect for casual social gatherings, especially during warm weather. It serves as an excellent aperitif or a simple after-work refreshment.
- Social gatherings
- Summer parties
- Casual drinking
- After-work drink
Pairing suggestions
The Chuflay's refreshing nature pairs wonderfully with salty snacks and light appetizers. It is a classic accompaniment to Bolivian dishes like salteñas. Its crisp profile also complements grilled meats and fish.
- Salty snacks like peanuts or chips
- Salteñas (Bolivian savory pastries)
- Light appetizers
- Grilled chicken or fish
Chuflay: The Refreshing Spirit of Bolivia
The Chuflay is a brilliantly simple and refreshing highball that stands as Bolivia's national cocktail. It combines the unique floral and fruity notes of Singani, a grape brandy, with the familiar crispness of ginger ale and lime. Easy to make and even easier to drink, it's a perfect introduction to Bolivian spirits and an ideal choice for any casual occasion. The drink's history is tied to the country's development, making it a true taste of Bolivian culture.
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