You’re never far from a heated debate when discussing the origins of pisco. Whether you believe this humble brandy-like spirit belongs to Chile or Peru, the origins of the Chilcano almost always return to the backstreets of Lima, hinging on the creativity of early 20th-century Italian immigrants longing for a Buongiorno. Replacing grappa with pisco is a straightforward swap, and it’s a highball-style drink Alex Brownbridge – co-owner of Daisy Bar in Geelong – deems complex.
“Pisco brings grassiness and smoke, while lime juice and ginger ale provide acidity and spice,” he says, claiming this simple three-ingredient cocktail is greater than the sum of its parts. “Our Take Two is a rework of the Chilcano in which we dial up the heat and vibrancy through the addition of dried chilli liqueur and pineapple.”
The pineapple adds texture, as well as flavour, while ginger beer brings strength beyond ginger ale, and lemon juice replaces lime juice for freshness. Granted, there are a few more ingredients here, but the recipe maintains unfussiness and does not detract from the classic aromatic burnt-wine taste pisco fans appreciate.
Brownbridge’s pick for the hero of this cocktail is BarSol Quebranta. “This is a clean, slightly vegetal pisco from the Ica Valley in Peru,” he says. “When we garnish this with a kaffir lime leaf, the result is a lively drink – it’s great to sip over a long, slow afternoon.”
How to make Daisy Bar’s Take Two recipe
Chill a highball glass.
In the chilled glass, build on ice cubes 30ml pisco, 20ml chilli liqueur, 30ml fresh pineapple juice, 20ml fresh lemon juice, and 100ml ginger beer.
Stir gently, adding a makrut lime leaf to garnish.
Three piscos to try
BarSol Quebranta
Coming from the Ica Valley – known as the “Land of the Sun” – and produced with the fist pressing of 100 per cent quebranta grapes, creates unique purity with subtle citrus notes.
$92 for 700ml, nicks.com.au
Waqar Pisco
An artisanal high-altitude Chilean pisco from hand-picked Alexandria and pink muscat grapes, made in traditional copper alembics and framed by five generations of knowledge.
$90 for 700ml, nicks.com.au
De Carral Acholado
Blended piscos, or acholados, are a great starting point for those new to the spirit. Considering the lightness and appealing minerality, this is an ideal way to change up your next Martini.
$86 for 700ml, thepiscopeople.com.au
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
