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Pisco / Feature Articles

By Diana P. Olano

You truly haven't experienced Peru if a) you haven't ridden a combi (those informal, full-to-the-brim, sometimes rusting away mini-buses that take you from one end of the city to the other); if b) you haven't eaten a refreshingly tangy and delicious ceviche with a side of camote and corn; and c) if you haven't tried the country's iconic cocktail: the Pisco Sour.

The drink, invented in the 1920's in Lima by American Victor Morris, is made from the Peruvian brandy Pisco, along with lemon juice, egg whites and simple syrup. The result is a sweet but powerful sour, topped with foam and cinnamon. In a country where beer is usually the staple alcoholic drink at parties, clubs, etc., the Pisco Sour is a refreshing and extremely patriotic alternative. The cocktail is such an integral part of Peru's history and culture that it has its own day dedicated to it: Pisco Sour Day, held every first Saturday of February.

Five years ago, Peruvians demanded that a day be dedicated to the drink they adore, believing it to be one of the best cocktails ever created. The claim from our Chilean friends that Pisco (and therefore, the cocktail) is theirs makes Peruvians cherish it even more. For them, it's not only a great-tasting drink, but also a symbol of their country; another thing to be proud of, like Machu Picchu or their acclaimed gastronomy. To not have a day dedicated to this emblematic beverage would not only be a shame, but a disgrace in Peruvians' eyes.

And so, each February see activities take place around the county, celebrating the Pisco Sour and its importance in Peru. This year is no exception, with events taking place all over Lima, in the districts of Surco, Barranco and Miraflores.

Surco has a particular attraction this year for its festival: a Pisco bread. "Pisco Pan", as they have named it, is made from Pisco distilled in Surco, raisin jelly and is molded in the way most sweet breads are. The bread—which has a shelf-life of three days in which it doesn’t lose its texture or quality—was created by Surco resident Luis Pacheco Castillo. Pisco Pan will be available at their festival for S/.5.

Below is a list of festivals, events and celebrations happening across Lima in honor of Pisco Sour Day this weekend. Be sure to check some of them out. Cheers!

Surco:

Surco will hold their V Pisco Sour Festival the weekend of February 1 to 3, from 10 a..m. - 10 p.m.. The event is being organized by CONAPISCO (The National Pisco Commission), who have invited 22 stands, all of which will sell different pisco brands from Peru. The festival will take place at Parque de la Amistad, Av. Caminos del Inca cdra. 21. Admission is free. The schedule:

Friday, February 1
12:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony, with a welcome by Juan Manuel Del Mar, Mayor of Santiago de Surco; a tribute to Johnny Schuler Rauch; a National Toast; parade with dances from the coast; a gastronomy presentation; a show by the Champions of the Marinera Norteña; and the selection of "Ms. Pisco Sour"
7 p.m. - Embajadores de Surco
8 p.m. - Los Kipus
9 p.m. - Cecilia Barraza

Saturday, February 2
3 p.m. - Pisco Sour Contest
4:30 p.m. - Pisco Cocktail Contest
6:30 p.m. - Show by the Champions of the Marinera Norteña
7:30 p.m. - Andar - Andar
8:30 p.m. - Ballet Folclorico Del Peru
9:30 p.m. - Duo de Oro

Sunday, February 3
3 p.m. - Show by the Champions of the Marinera Norteña
4 p.m. - Raffle of a box of Pisco
6 p.m. - Duo Amistad and Embajadores of Surco
7 p.m. - Duo Ayacucho
8 p.m. - International Orchestra "Latin Tower"

Downtown Lima:

The Metropolitan District of Lima, in coordination with the Minister of Production, invites all Pisco producers and the like to participate in "National Pisco Sour Day". The event will feature different artistic shows, bartender contests and a gastronomy display of traditional Peruvian foods and Limeñan desserts. Join them the weekend of February 1-3, from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., at Alameda "Chabuca Granda" in Lima's Historic Centre. For more information call 315-1553, 315-1563 or e-mail turismo1@munlima.gob.pe, turismomunlima@hotmail.com. Admission is free.

Barranco:

The District of Barranco, with the help of the Minister of Production and the National Commission of Pisco (CONAPISCO) among others, will celebrate “National Pisco Sour Day in Barranco” on Saturday, February 2 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The event, which will take place at the Municipal Park of Barranco, will feature Pisco demonstrations and sales from Viña San Lorenzo, Pisco Viejo Zorro, Pisco Emperatriz, Pisco Don Saturnino, Pisco Quiroz, Pisco Don Nepta, Pisco Rotondo and many more. The celebration will also feature traditional Peruvian dances, music and will count of the help of neighboring restaurants and Hotel Maury—supposedly, the location where Pisco Sour was invented. Admission is free.

We attempted to contact the District of Miraflores for information on what activities they had planned for the special day, but unfortunately, no one got back to us.