Peru’s drink scene is as vast and colorful as its stunning landscapes. Explore the world of Peruvian beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. From the iconic Pisco spirit and inventive cocktails, to a variety of unique beers and traditional wines, plus a range of both warming and refreshing non-alcoholic options like herbal teas and fruity soft drinks—there’s something here to captivate every palate.
1.) Peruvian Spirits
1.1.) Peruvian Liquor
1. Pisco
- Peruvian grape brandy
Pisco, the pride of Peru, is a potent grape brandy that captures the essence of the country’s rich viticultural traditions. Distilled from select grape varieties, this clear spirit is the cornerstone of Peruvian mixology, notably in the iconic Pisco Sour cocktail. Its versatility and unique flavor profile make Pisco a celebrated choice among connoisseurs of fine spirits.
1.2.) Peruvian Liqueurs
2. Crema de Pisco
- Creamy Pisco-based liqueur
Crema de Pisco blends the robust flavors of traditional Pisco with a creamy, sweet texture, offering a delightful twist on Peru’s classic spirit. This liqueur serves as a versatile ingredient in desserts and cocktails, providing a smooth, rich layer to Peru’s beverage repertoire.
1.3.) Other Peruvian Spirits
3. Aguardiente de Caña
- Sugarcane-based spirit
Aguardiente de Caña is a testament to Peru’s sugarcane heritage, offering a clear, fiery spirit that’s deeply ingrained in local culture. This spirit, distilled from sugarcane, embodies the rustic, spirited essence of the Peruvian countryside.
4. Cañazo
- Rustic sugarcane spirit
Cañazo is a traditional Peruvian spirit distilled from sugarcane, revered for its bold, unrefined taste. This rustic beverage represents the heart and soul of rural Peru, showcasing the simplicity and strength of traditional distillation techniques.
2.) Peruvian Cocktails & Mixed Alcoholic Drinks
2.1.) Peruvian Cocktails
5. Pisco Sour
- Signature Peruvian cocktail
The Pisco Sour is Peru’s most famous cocktail, blending Pisco with lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters. This frothy and tangy drink is a staple in Peruvian celebrations, embodying the country’s rich cocktail culture.
6. Chilcano
- Refreshing Pisco and ginger ale mix
Chilcano offers a lighter, effervescent alternative to the Pisco Sour, mixing Pisco with ginger ale and a splash of lime. This refreshing cocktail is beloved for its simplicity and the delightful way it showcases Pisco’s versatility.
7. Algarrobina Cocktail
- Pisco with carob syrup concoction
The Algarrobina Cocktail is a sumptuous Peruvian classic, combining Pisco with the sweet, rich flavor of algarrobina syrup, reminiscent of carob. Often enriched with egg yolk and condensed milk, this drink is a creamy delight.
8. Maracuyá Sour
- Passion fruit Pisco Sour variant
Maracuyá Sour puts a tropical twist on the traditional Pisco Sour, infusing the vibrant tartness of passion fruit into the mix. This cocktail is a testament to Peru’s diverse fruit bounty and its innovative mixology scene.
9. Coca Sour
- Pisco Sour with coca leaf infusion
Coca Sour adapts the iconic Pisco Sour by incorporating coca leaf extract, adding a unique Andean flavor. This innovative cocktail reflects Peru’s ancient traditions and contemporary culinary creativity.
10. Leche de Tigre con Pisco
- Pisco-spiked seafood marinade drink
Leche de Tigre con Pisco is a bold combination of Peru’s famed seafood marinade, leche de tigre, spiked with Pisco. This invigorating drink is often enjoyed as both a cocktail and a ceviche accompaniment.
11. Machu Picchu
- Tropical fruit and Pisco blend
Named after Peru’s iconic landmark, the Machu Picchu cocktail is a vibrant mix of Pisco, tropical fruits, and a hint of grenadine, embodying the spirit and colors of the Peruvian landscape.
12. Peruvian Bloody Mary
- Spicy Pisco and tomato mix
The Peruvian Bloody Mary reimagines the classic cocktail with Pisco and a blend of Amazonian spices, offering a fiery twist with a dash of lime. This version stands out for its bold flavors and Peruvian flair.
2.2.) Hot Peruvian Alcoholic Beverages
13. Ponche de los Libertadores
Warm Pisco and fruit punch
Ponche de los Libertadores is a warming, spiced punch made with Pisco, fruits, and spices. Traditionally enjoyed during festivities, this hot beverage provides comfort and celebration in a cup.
14. Calientito
- Spiced hot Pisco drink
Calientito, meaning ‘a little warm’, is a delightful hot beverage blending Pisco with fruit juice and aromatic spices. This cozy drink is a favorite in the cooler months, offering warmth and a taste of Peruvian hospitality.
3.) Peruvian Brewed & Fermented Alcoholic Beverages
3.1.) Peruvian Wine
15. Wines from Peru
Peruvian wines, emerging stars in the world of viticulture, include varieties like Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and the aromatic Torrontés, cultivated in the Ica Valley. Renowned brands like Tacama, Tabernero, and Santiago Queirolo blend traditional methods with modern innovation, producing wines that capture the unique terroir of Peru’s landscapes.
3.2.) Peruvian Beer
16. Beers from Peru
Peruvian beer showcases a rich variety of flavors and traditions, reflecting the country’s diverse regions and historical influences. From crisp lagers favored in coastal areas to artisanal craft brews that incorporate local ingredients like quinoa and Amazonian fruits, Peru’s beer scene is as varied as its landscape. The fusion of ancient brewing traditions with modern innovation has made beer a popular choice across Peru, celebrated for its unique blends and regional varieties.
- Cusqueña
Premium Peruvian lager
Cusqueña is a flagship Peruvian beer known for its crisp, refreshing taste and is crafted using pure spring water from the Andes. Available in varieties like Golden Lager, Red Lager, and Wheat Beer, Cusqueña is a testament to Peru’s brewing excellence.
- Arequipeña
Traditional southern Peru beer
Arequipeña, a beer deeply rooted in the traditions of Arequipa, offers a smooth, enjoyable experience reflecting the region’s rich brewing heritage. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its authentic Peruvian flavor.
- Pilsen Callao
Classic Peruvian Pilsner
Pilsen Callao, a staple in Peruvian beer culture since 1863, is known for its balanced flavor and golden hue. This Pilsner embodies the spirit of Callao, offering a taste of Peru’s coastal life.
- Barbarian
Craft beer with bold flavors
Barbarian craft beer stands out for its innovative and bold flavors, offering a range of styles from IPAs to stouts. This brand is at the forefront of Peru’s craft beer movement, showcasing the creativity of Peruvian brewers.
- Sierra Andina
Andean-inspired craft beer
Sierra Andina, drawing inspiration from the Andes, crafts beers that reflect the biodiversity of Peru. With ingredients sourced locally, each beer tells a story of Peruvian heritage and natural richness.
- Sacred Valley Brewery
Artisanal beers from Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley Brewery, nestled in the heart of the Inca’s Sacred Valley, produces artisanal beers using the finest local ingredients. Their commitment to quality and community encapsulates the essence of the Sacred Valley’s spirit.
- Zenith
Experimental craft beers
Zenith Craft Brewery pushes the boundaries with experimental brews, blending Peruvian flavors with classic beer styles. Their adventurous approach to brewing has earned them a spot in the vibrant craft beer scene of Peru.
- Cumbres
Craft beer with Andean flavors
Cumbres craft beer integrates traditional Andean ingredients into their brewing process, creating unique beers that celebrate Peru’s rich cultural tapestry and natural ingredients.
3.3.) Other Peruvian Brewed & Fermented Alcoholic Drinks
17. Chicha de Jora
- Traditional corn beer
Chicha de Jora is a traditional Peruvian corn beer with deep historical roots, often associated with Incan rituals. This fermented drink, made from Jora corn, is a living link to Peru’s ancient cultures, enjoyed in both ceremonial and everyday contexts.
18. Frutillada
- Strawberry-flavored Chicha
Frutillada is a sweeter, fruitier variant of Chicha de Jora, infused with strawberries, giving it a distinct pink hue and a refreshing taste. This beverage is a popular choice during festivals and social gatherings in the Andean regions.
19. Chicha de Guiñapo
- Fermented black corn drink
Chicha de Guiñapo, made from a unique variety of black corn, offers a distinct flavor profile within the chicha family. This fermented beverage is a testament to the diversity of corn in Peru and its integral role in Peruvian culture.
20. Chicha de Molle
- Pepper tree berry brew
Chicha de Molle, brewed from the berries of the Peruvian pepper tree, is a lesser-known but historically significant drink. With a slightly spicy and refreshing taste, it highlights the ancient Peruvians’ skill in creating diverse fermented beverages.
4.) Peruvian Non-Alcoholic Drinks
4.1.) Cold Peruvian Non-Alcoholic Beverages
21. Inca Kola
- Iconic Peruvian soft drink
Inca Kola, often referred to as “The Golden Kola,” is a beloved Peruvian soda with a unique, sweet, fruity flavor that defies comparison. This luminous yellow beverage is not just a soft drink but a symbol of national pride, enjoyed by all ages across the country.
22. Refresco de Camu Camu
- Amazonian berry drink
Refresco de Camu Camu is a nutrient-packed beverage made from the Amazonian camu camu berry, known for its exceptionally high vitamin C content. This refreshing drink offers health benefits along with a tangy, invigorating flavor.
23. Chicha Morada
- Purple corn traditional drink
Chicha Morada is a traditional Peruvian beverage made from purple corn, flavored with fruits and spices. This sweet, refreshing drink, deep purple in color, is not only a cultural staple but also a healthful choice, rich in antioxidants.
24. Emoliente (Chilled)
- Herbal barley refreshment (when served cold)
Emoliente, when served cold, is a refreshing herbal beverage made from barley and a blend of medicinal herbs. This drink is celebrated for its health benefits, including digestive aid and soothing properties.
25. Coca Ice Tea
- Iced coca leaf infusion (when served cold)
Coca Tea, when served cold, provides a refreshing and energizing experience, maintaining the traditional benefits of coca leaves, such as altitude sickness relief and increased energy, in a chilled form perfect for warm days.
26. Refresco de Quinua
- Quinoa-based nutritious drink
Refresco de Quinua is a healthful beverage derived from the Andean superfood quinoa, offering a nourishing and energizing drink option that’s both traditional and in tune with modern nutritional values.
27. Agua de Sapo
- Ginger and lime infusion
Agua de Sapo is a zesty and refreshing drink made from ginger, lime, and chancaca, a traditional sweetener. This invigorating beverage is known for its distinctive flavor and energizing effects, making it a popular choice in Peru.
28. Maracuyá Juice
- Passion fruit juice
Maracuyá Juice, made from the vibrant passion fruit, is a staple in Peru for its tangy sweetness and refreshing qualities. This juice is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, making it a healthy, energizing choice.
4.2.) Hot Peruvian Non-Alcoholic Beverages
29. Mate de Coca
- Traditional coca leaf tea
Mate de Coca is a traditional herbal tea made from coca leaves, widely consumed in Peru for its mild stimulant effects and ability to alleviate altitude sickness. This hot beverage is a staple in Andean culture, offering warmth and wellness.
30. Té de Muña
- Andean mint herbal tea
Té de Muña, made from the Andean mint known as muña, is renowned for its digestive and medicinal properties. This aromatic herbal tea offers a refreshing flavor and is often sought for its soothing effects on stomach ailments.
31. Té de Anís
- Anise-flavored herbal tea
Té de Anís is a soothing herbal tea infused with the flavor of anise seeds, cherished in Peru for its digestive benefits and comforting aroma. This warm drink is a perfect end to meals or a calm start to the day.
32. Anís con leche
- Warm aniseed milk drink
Anís con leche is a comforting Peruvian beverage, combining the soothing qualities of warm milk with the sweet, licorice-like flavor of anise. This drink is especially popular among children and for its calming effects before bedtime.
33. Emoliente (Hot)
- Healing herbal hot drink (when served hot)
Emoliente, in its hot form, is a traditional Peruvian herbal beverage known for its soothing and medicinal properties. This warm, comforting drink is made from barley and a variety of healing herbs, ideal for cold evenings or as a health tonic.