Essay

AHistoryofPiscoSour:

The Pisco Sour is one of the worlds great Cocktails and a world class Pisco Sour can be enjoyed at The Cross Keys. The first mention of the Pisco Sour is to be found in the book “ Lima the City of Kings (The Peruvian Book) 1928-29”. Almost 80 years ago, the Pisco Sour figured in the list of beverages offered by The Morris Bar, a traditional establishment located on Jiron de la Union in Lima. The entry in the book says the following: “Morris, Victor, Morris Bar. Importer of all classes of wines, spirits, beers, of which there is a select assortment of the finest brands. This bar has been made famous for the exquisite preparation of its Whisky Sour and Pisco Sour …. in which authentic spirits are used.”

Everything points to Victor Morris’s adaptation the Whisky Sour recipe to include Peruvian Pisco and the results were magnificent.

Later the Hotel Maury in Lima became famous for its preparation of a stupendous Pisco Sour. Following this, the Hotel Bolivar (to-day a former shadow of its Victorian elegance but the bar is worth a visit ) followed the trend with its Catedral ( Cathedral) which includes a double measure of Pisco in the cocktail. The actress Ava Gardener was seen to dance on the bar of the Bolivar Hotel after several of these Cathedral Pisco Sour’s!!

A Recipe for a Traditional Pisco Sour:

2partsPisco1partkeylimejuice1partsugarsyruporsugar1eggwhiteIce 5-6 cubes

Blend all and serve with a dash of bitters.

A Recipe for a Pisco Sour Catedral:

6ozPisco1ozkeylimejuice2ozsugarsyruporsugar1eggwhite5-6 ice cubes

Blend all and serve with a dash of bitters or sprinkle of cinnamon.