Piscola
The Piscola is the quintessential Chilean mixed drink, beloved for its simplicity and refreshing taste. It combines the unique, grape-based brandy known as pisco with the familiar sweet caramel notes of cola. Often finished with a wedge of fresh lime to add a bright, acidic counterpoint, it is the Chilean equivalent of the Rum and Coke or Gin and Tonic. Its straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor profile have cemented its status as a national favorite.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Piscola is classified as a highball cocktail, which is a family of simple mixed drinks composed of an alcoholic base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, typically served in a tall glass over ice.
Serving
Served cold over plenty of ice in a tall highball glass, this drink's alcohol content is moderate, making it a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail.
Serving size
250-350 ml / 8-12 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
While the exact origins are informal, the Piscola's popularity soared in Chile during the mid-20th century with the increasing availability of Coca-Cola. It quickly became an inseparable part of Chilean social culture, from casual get-togethers to national celebrations. The drink is so iconic that Chile even celebrates a "Día Nacional de la Piscola" (National Piscola Day) on February 8th each year.
Origin
The Piscola is widely considered the national drink of Chile, becoming a cultural staple throughout the 20th century.
Piscola
The name "Piscola" is a portmanteau of its two main ingredients: Pisco and Coca-Cola. It is most commonly known by this single name, especially in its home country of Chile, but is sometimes referred to more descriptively as "Pisco con Coca-Cola" (Pisco with Coca-Cola).
Original name
Piscola
Alternative names
- Pisco con Coca-Cola
- Chilean Pisco and Coke
Characteristics overview
The Piscola presents a sweet caramel and cola flavor balanced by the herbal, grape notes of pisco and brightened by citrus. Its bubbly texture and refreshing character make it an appealing and easy-drinking choice year-round.
Flavor
Sweet, Caramel, Herbal, Grape, Citrusy, Crisp
Aroma
Cola, Subtle Grape, Lime Zest
Taste balance
Sweet-forward, Mildly Sour, Slightly Herbal
Aftertaste
Clean, Sweet, Lingering Cola
Fizziness
Bubbly, Carbonated
Color appearance
Dark Brown, Mahogany, Translucent
Texture
Light, Effervescent, Smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-Season, Summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is dominated by the high sweetness and carbonation from the cola, with a moderate alcohol presence and a balancing touch of sourness from the lime.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You'll need three simple ingredients for this classic highball: Chilean pisco as the base spirit, your favorite cola as the mixer, and a fresh lime wedge for acidity and garnish.
- Chilean Pisco60 ml / 2 ozA transparent or yellowish-to-amber colored brandy. Use a Chilean pisco (like Pisco Capel or Mistral) for authenticity.
- Cola120-180 ml / 4-6 oz, or to topCoca-Cola is traditional, but any cola will work. The amount depends on the size of your glass and preferred strength.
- Lime Wedge1 wedgeUsed for both juice and garnish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is essential to balance the sweetness.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed; the drink is built directly in a highball glass and gently stirred with a bar spoon or straw to combine the ingredients.
- Highball Glass: for building and serving the drink
- Bar Spoon: for gently stirring
Instructions
This cocktail is built directly in the serving glass: fill a highball with ice, add pisco, top with cola, and finish with a squeeze and drop of a lime wedge before a gentle stir.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the Chilean pisco over the ice.
3. Top up the glass with cola, leaving a little space at the top.
4. Squeeze the lime wedge over the drink to release its juice.
5. Drop the squeezed lime wedge into the glass as a garnish.
6. Give the drink a gentle stir to combine the ingredients. Serve immediately.
Garnishing
The garnish is functional and simple: a lime wedge is squeezed over the drink for its juice and then dropped in for added aroma and visual appeal.
- Lime Wedge: after squeezing the juice into the drink, drop the wedge into the glass
Dietary Information
This drink is vegan and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, but it does contain caffeine from the cola.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The nutritional content is moderate in calories but high in carbohydrates and sugar, almost entirely from the cola mixer.
Calories
Averagely 180-250 kcal / 753-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 25-35 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 25-35 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is a versatile and unpretentious drink perfect for social and casual occasions. It's a staple at parties, barbecues (asados), and casual nights out with friends in Chile and beyond.
- Party
- Casual Gathering
- Happy Hour
- Barbecue
Pairing suggestions
The Piscola is a fantastic companion to Chilean cuisine. It pairs exceptionally well with savory and salty foods like empanadas, grilled meats from an asado, or simple bar snacks. Its sweet profile cuts through rich and fatty foods, making it a refreshing counterpart.
- Empanadas
- Grilled Meats (Asado)
- Salty Snacks (like nuts or chips)
- Completo (Chilean Hot Dog)
Piscola: The Heartbeat of Chilean Nightlife
The Piscola is a simple, two-ingredient highball that holds the title of Chile's most popular cocktail. It's a testament to the idea that great drinks don't need to be complicated, relying on the unique character of Chilean pisco to elevate the familiar taste of cola. Brightened with a squeeze of lime, it's a perfectly balanced, effervescent, and deeply refreshing drink for any social occasion. Its cultural significance in Chile makes it more than just a cocktail; it's a symbol of national identity and celebration.
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