Chilcano Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Travel off the beaten path with this pisco and ginger-ale based tipple.

Growing up, my grandfather kept a fairly large supply of sodas in the basement. Being in Queens, New York, these fizzy drinks came in crates of old-school glass bottles, and when one was finished it got returned to the bottling company. I was used to cans of stuff like Dr. Pepper or Hawaiian Punch, so seeing the way my gramps purchased his soft drinks was almost like a form of time travel. “Wow, this was soda in the olden days”, I’d wonder in awe to myself.

The flavors weren’t exactly kid friendly. Whenever I was thirsty I was sent downstairs and often had White Rock club soda or ginger-ale to choose from. I usually chose the latter. My penchant for guzzling these would get me into trouble. My family would get upset because “hey, who drank all the ginger-ale?!” I soon learned my grandpa wasn’t just a fan of the spicy beverage, he used it to mix with his scotch or brandy.

My grandpappy wasn’t the only person who loved mixing his spirits with ginger-ale. Turns out it’s a pretty popular thing to do. As I got older and more interested in cocktail culture, I noticed that any home bar worth its salt needed to have some on hand. Drinks such as the Mule or a classic Whiskey & Ginger make good use of the bubbly mixer, and are a large part of their flavor. But what else melds well with it?

In the 1800s, Italian immigrants to Peru brought with them some of the tastes of home. One of these was a drink called the Buongiorno, which was made with grappa, lime juice and ginger beer. The local Peruvians took to this tasty and robust treat and added their own spin on it. Instead of grappa, the local spirit pisco was used as the base in this new version of the Italian elixir, and was dubbed the Chilcano.

What is Pisco?

The simplest way to describe this grape distilled spirit is by comparing it to brandy. Originating in 16th century Peru, but also made in Chile, this clear or amber-colored liquor has floral, herbal notes and is usually sold in two varieties: “Puro” or “Acholado”. If your pisco is a Puro, then it was derived from only type of grape. If it’s an Acholado, then it was born of two or more.

What is the Best Pisco to Use in a Chilcano?

If you’re unfamiliar with this brandy-like booze and not sure where to start, I suggest trying to find a few different bottles from your local liquor or spirits specialist. While most alcohol can be purchased at a grocery store, pisco is something I had a difficult time finding on my last milk and eggs run. You’ll want to choose a liquor store that has a hefty selection. If it’s your first time, try a Puro pisco for a simpler tasting version of this cocktail. Seasoned drinkers can go for an Acholado style for a more complex experience.

What glassware and garnish is used for a Chilcano?

A highball or Collins glass will have plenty of room for the ice, and your cocktail. A few dashes of bitters on top adds some extra spice, while a lime twist brings expressions of citrus zest.

Isn’t Chilcano a soup?

Yes, the cocktail we’re making today shares its name with a popular fish head soup that’s famous for being a hangover cure.

Similar Cocktails to the Chilcano

Sometimes you want something that’s different from everything else you’ve ever had. You’re getting bored with the same old mixed drinks you whip up every weekend and are feeling a little adventurous and antsy. At the same time, you feel that you want something familiar, too. A few cocktails that we have here at Twist & Toast will satiate that explorer’s urge you might be feeling, so definitely try some of these lesser traveled tipples.

Pisco Punch – My introduction to the Peruvian and Chilean spirit was the sour and sweet Pisco Punch.

Maracuyá Sour – One of my recent favorites, this passionfruit flavored tipple will become your new summer favorite.

Pisco Sour – Learn to master making one of the most famous pisco cocktails.