Every 4th Sunday in July, Peruvians celebrate Pisco Sur Cocktail Day. It is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country. It is prepared on the basis of Pisco grape vodka, which has been drunk in Peru since the 16th century.
This unusual holiday was officially established in 1999. Thousands of Peruvians all over the country celebrate it for several days.
Until recently, there were heated debates between Peru and Chile about the origin of the Pisco Sour cocktail. Both countries are renowned for the huge variety of lemon varieties used as a classic ingredient in this drink. But today there is an official document confirming that the birthplace of the Pisco Sur cocktail is Peru.
According to one version, the national Peruvian drink was invented at the beginning of the last century in the most popular bar in Lima. His recipe is quite simple: add egg white, sugar syrup (3 parts), lemon juice (4 parts), cinnamon and other spices to Pisco grape vodka (8 parts). Usually the drink is served undiluted without ice.
The Pisco Sur cocktail party includes fairs, contests, concerts with local Afro-Peruvian and Creole bands, and free mass tastings of the drink, accompanied by energetic dancing and fun. The most famous brands of Pisco take part in the celebration: Huarangal, Tacama, Ocucaje, Santiago Queirolo and others. They offer their products to residents and guests of the country.
At the famous Pisco Bar in Lima, the celebration lasts for two days. Visitors to the establishment are offered more than 30 different cocktails prepared on the basis of Pisco. In the south of Peru, where the key production zones of this drink are concentrated, a traditional competition for the best cocktail is held.
Interestingly, the Pisco Sur cocktail celebration is not limited to one day. In 2004, it was officially decided to celebrate this important event for Peruvians every year, also on the 1st Saturday of February.
