The 5 Best Drinks you have to try in Peru
The culture of Peru is incredibly diverse, offering a plethora of unique experiences. From its rich cuisine to vibrant music and stunning natural beauty, there’s always something new to explore. For the millions who visit Peru annually, one of the most surprising discoveries is its underrated food culture, which ranks among the world’s finest. However, Peru’s drinks are equally fascinating and deserve just as much attention during meals. To fully immerse yourself in the Peruvian experience, these are the drinks you absolutely must try. While common in Peru, they’re rare elsewhere, making them perfect additions to your bucket list.
As always, remember to check for travel restrictions or closures before planning your trip.
1.- Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a quintessential Peruvian drink that you’ll easily find throughout Peru at any time of the day. Pisco, a grape-based brandy, holds a revered status as an Andean specialty. A classic Pisco Sour, a regional specialty, is a must-try during your visit to Peru. This iconic cocktail combines Pisco’s sweet and smooth nature with the tangy citrus flavors that define a Sour, creating a refreshing beverage ideal for a warm afternoon. The addition of an egg white gives it a light frothiness, transforming the Pisco Sour into a drink that feels as much like a dessert as a sophisticated cocktail. No trip to Peru is truly complete without indulging in at least a few glasses of Pisco Sour to savor its unique taste and cultural significance.
2.- Coca Tea
Coca leaf tea is the potion with which Cusco welcomes its visitors, as it is the perfect brew to counteract the symptoms of soroche or altitude sickness. Its stimulating effect is similar to that of coffee and it contains nutrients and alkaloids that favor the body’s acclimatization. Although the idea sounds reckless, you should not be scared because its effects are not intoxicating and it does not generate dependence.
In the lobbies of hotels and travel agencies it is common to find furniture with hot water, coca leaves, sugar and disposable cups, so that tourists can prepare it to their liking.
Its consumption is so deeply rooted that there is even an area dedicated to its use. The Coca Museum is a small but illustrative space in which objects, works of art and cards tell the story of the human being’s relationship with this controversial plant. Its gift store offers all kinds of products made with it.
3.- Inca Kola
It is a bright yellow soda that tastes like bubble gum to many. Its recipe is an industrial secret but “experts” believe it contains lemon verbena, a plant known for its digestive properties.
Peru is one of the few countries where the local soft drink outsells Coca-Cola and although the transnational acquired it a few years ago, it is still the favorite of the citizens.
Locals say it is a perfect match for chifa, a fusion of Cantonese and Peruvian food. Visit KION, order a green chaufa, a dish of rice and quinoa sautéed in a wok with ginger, spices and Chinese vegetables, and accompany it with a bottle of Inca Kola. When you have them in front of you, enjoy the explosion of flavors.
The beer of the Incas: chicha de jora (corn beer)
Corn is the typical grain of the region and by malting it, a beer is obtained that has been consumed since long before the arrival of the Spaniards. Its color resembles that of coffee with milk and its elaboration is handmade. Sometimes it is sweetened with honey and the ethyl level depends on the days of fermentation.
In the city’s markets it is common to find women serving it in a glass or plastic bag with a straw and offering portions in exchange for 2 Sol (PEN). It can also be consumed in specialized establishments, called chicherías.
4.- Chicha Morada
Peru’s Chicha Morada reveals the vibrant side of corn—its purple variant. Among the Inca’s agricultural wonders, colorful corn varieties were prominent, and the maiz morado (purple corn) takes center stage in this beverage. To craft Chicha Morada, chefs simmer purple corn with a blend of spices, cloves, pineapple, and sugar, yielding a deliciously refreshing drink that’s a popular favorite. For a different twist, explore its alcoholic relative, Chicha de Jora, a corn-based beer that offers another unique taste of Peru’s beverage culture. Both these drinks showcase the diverse and inventive use of corn in Peruvian culinary traditions, making them must-tries for a complete exploration of local flavors.
5.-Special Juices
In Peru, the abundance of diverse fruits thriving in its varied climates makes it a paradise for fruit lovers. Introduced by the Spanish Empire, a rich tradition of fruit consumption and juices flourishes throughout the country. Among the must-try Peruvian delights is the Jugo Especial, or Special Juice. This unique concoction begins with a medley of fresh fruits blended together in a tropical fusion. What sets it apart is the addition of yogurt, a whole egg, and, surprisingly, a local beer, creating a distinct beverage that transcends the ordinary. The Special Juices isn’t just a drink; it’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of Peruvian creativity and culinary innovation. Seek out this extraordinary beverage at local juice bars to embark on a truly memorable tasting journey.