Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic16.8% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerMixerDairy / texture
- 2 ozPiscoBase
- 1 ozLemon JuiceCitrus
- 1-2 tblspSugarSweetener
- 1IceMixer
- to tasteEgg WhiteDairy / texture
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
- Vigorously shake and strain contents in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, then pour into glass and garnish with bitters.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
Rate this recipe
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Pisco Sour?
- The Pisco Sour is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 16.8%. A standard serving contains approximately 232 calories.
- What does a Pisco Sour taste like?
- Pisco Sour has a flavour profile featuring Sugar, Lemon, Sweet, Citrus. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Pisco Sour?
- Pisco Sour pairs well with Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Pisco Sour?
- The Pisco Sour has an ABV of approximately 16.8%. That's approximately 1.33 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 232 calories, 20.1g sugar, 21.4g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Pisco Sour typically served?
- Pisco Sour is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Pisco Sour?
- If you enjoy Pisco Sour, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Pisco Sour at home?
- Yes. The Pisco Sour uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Pisco Sour with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.