9 Traditional Peruvian Beverages to Savor and Explore
As we all know, Peru is famous for its delicious gastronomy. However, the land of the Incas also boasts an impressive variety of special beverages. The drinks in Peru reflect local customs, history, and exceptional ingredients.
By tasting these beverages, not only will you have a lot of fun, but you will also gain a better understanding of the country and its people. One of the most famous Peruvian drinks is the Pisco Sour, and it’s definitely worth trying during your travels in Peru.
Apart from that, there is so much more to explore! That’s why in this post, I would like to introduce you to the most popular alcoholic and non-alcoholic Peruvian beverages that you must definitely try during your stay in Peru.
1. Pisco Sour
Peru’s most famous national drink, the Pisco Sour, is a cocktail with a fascinating history. Invented by an American in Lima and later embraced by Peruvians, it has now become a beloved drink enjoyed worldwide. Made with Pisco (grape brandy), egg white, lime juice, and a touch of sugar, this refreshing alcoholic beverage is a must-try during your Peruvian journey.
2. Chilcano:
Originally made with Pisco, ginger ale, and lemon juice, the Chilcano is a versatile cocktail that varies in preparation at different bars and restaurants. Some establishments infuse it with exotic fruits like passion fruit, strawberries, or mango, making it a refreshing and less potent alternative to the Pisco Sour.
3. Cerveza:
Peruvians love their beer, and there are three prominent beer brands in the country: Cristal, Cusqueña, and Pilsen Callao. Whether you prefer a light beer like Cusqueña Premium or want to try something different like Cusqueña Negra, Cristal, or the country’s oldest beer, Pilsen Callao, you’ll find a beer to suit your taste.
4. Chicha de Jora:
A traditional Andean beverage once consumed by the Incas, Chicha de Jora is a fermented beer made from Jora corn, a yellow Andean wheat. You can find this unique brew in small towns in the Sacred Valley, where locals often offer it as an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth). The taste starts mildly sweet and finishes with a touch of bitterness.
5. Inca Kola
One of the most popular non-alcoholic Peruvian beverages, Inca Kola’s history dates back to 1910 when English couple Jose and Martha Lindley established a small shop in Lima to sell carbonated beverages. The bright yellow Inca Kola, often compared to Mountain Dew, offers a unique flavor, with some describing it as reminiscent of bubble gum.
6. Chicha Morada:
A widely acclaimed Peruvian drink, Chicha Morada is made from purple corn, which originates in Peru. With its numerous health benefits, including potentially reducing blood pressure and heart disease risk, this non-alcoholic beverage is flavored with pineapple, cinnamon, sugar, and cloves.
7. Mate de Coca:
Commonly consumed in the Andean regions, Mate de Coca is a tea made from coca leaves. Locals often enjoy it to combat altitude sickness or to alleviate its effects. However, be aware that consuming this tea may lead to a positive result on a drug test.
8. Fruit Juices:
Peru’s abundant fruits provide a cornucopia of options for fresh fruit juices. Whether it’s traditional fruits like bananas, papayas, and pineapples or more exotic Peruvian favorites such as lucuma, aguaje, aguaymanto, camu camu, and chirimoya, the variety is endless. Try the “jugo especial,” a mix of different fruits, an egg, and optional Cusqueña beer – a refreshing and energizing treat.
9. Emoliente:
A traditional herbal tea, Emoliente is believed to have medicinal properties. Prepared with various herbs like barley, linseed, and medicinal plants, it’s a popular non-alcoholic beverage with a flavor often compared to green tea.
Embark on a delightful journey through the diverse flavors of Peru by sampling these traditional beverages. Whether it’s sipping on a classic Pisco Sour or enjoying a refreshing Chicha Morada, each drink offers a unique and authentic taste of Peruvian culture. Salud!