How much should a cocktail be tasty and loved by everyone in order to establish a holiday in honor of it? This is exactly the kind of cocktail there is in Peru – the Pisco Sour cocktail …
Every year, on the fourth Sunday of July, Peru celebrates Day of cocktail “Pisco sur” (National Sour Day) is the day of the most popular cocktail in the country, made on the basis of Pisco grape vodka, which Peruvians have been drinking since the 16th century. The holiday was officially established in May 1999.
For some time, there were disputes between Peru and Chile about the origin of the cocktail. Both countries are famous for and use a wide variety of lemons, which have a classic ingredient scent. But today there are official documents confirming that the birthplace of the Pisco drink is Peru, and thus the drink is the national Peruvian drink, which back in 1988 was declared part of the country’s national heritage.
In more detail, in July 2005, Peru applied for the international registration of the Pisco appellation of origin with WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) and received a year later, in August 2006, a reply stating that Peru has the exclusive right to be called the country of origin. this drink.
The most influential version is that the Pisco Sour cocktail was invented at the beginning of the 20th century in one of the most popular bars in Lima. Its recipe is simple – one egg white, lemon juice (8 parts), sugar or syrup (4 parts), cinnamon or other spices to taste are added to grape vodka (3 parts). Usually the cocktail is not thinned and served without ice.
On the streets and squares of all cities of the country, on the fourth weekend of July, massive free tastings of the drink are held, accompanied by the rhythms of Creole music, dancing and general fun. In the south of the country, where the main production zones of “pisco” are concentrated, a national competition for the best cocktail is traditionally held.
It should be noted that the celebration in honor of the national cocktail is not limited to one day: in April 2004, it was officially decided to celebrate Pisco Sur Day every year and on the first Saturday of February.