Conceived in Peru by an American bar tender back in the 1920’s, the Pisco Sour – named after its main ingredient – has ever since made its way up through north America and over to Europe. Even though it’s now a firm favourite on cocktail lists around the globe, it’s still a staple drink back in South America – so very apt that they have a day to celebrate this traditional beverage.
The Peruvian celebration of its Pisco Sour is traditionally set on the first Sunday of every February, and this year London is embracing this refreshing cocktail for the first time next week.
A shaken mix of pisco, lime, sugar syrup, ice, angostura bitters and finished with egg whites, this short cocktail can be compared to a whisky sour, but lighter and fresher in taste. The best varieties can undoubtedly be found in Peruvian restaurants, which are especially more accessible with their popularity flourishing in London over the last few years. So for the next week, restaurants such as Ceviche, Nikkei Chotto Matte, Lima Floral, Andina and Pachamama to name a few, are putting this traditional drink back in the lime light once again. Ceviche is hosting a complementary mixology class on Saturday 7 February with renowned restaurateur (and its owner) Martin Morales along with tastings of their homemade pisco infusions.
Winding up the party spirit, artists Crispin Finn have designed a limited edition screen print of the drink to accompany their iconic cocktail series.
Crispin Finn’s Pisco Sour screen print – image courtesy of the artists
Image courtesy of Andina
Image courtesy of Ceviche Soho
By Stephanie Clair
Crispin Finn prints are in an edition of 100 and can be bought here.
The complementary Pisco Sour masterclass on Saturday February 7, at Ceviche on Frith Street, Soho will last an hour and booking is essential events@cevicheuk.com
Official London Pisco Sour Week wristbands will be available to purchase from the restaurants, enabling guests to enjoy Pisco Sour cocktails all week for £5.