Sipping South America

Katie Burke

From Patagonia to Machu Picchu, South America holds many wonders, and there is so much to explore.  One of the richest aspects of the region’s culture, and one you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, is its alcohol.  With its abundance of sugarcane, grapes, and other distillable crops, South American cocktails pack a flavorful — and sometimes highly alcoholic — punch.  Here are some of the most popular drinks from countries across the continent, and how you can enjoy them this summer.

Aguardiente  

Commonly known as “firewater,” aguardiente can be found all over South America, but is a staple of the Andean region of Colombia.  Aguardiente is a sugarcane-based liqueur flavored with anise — a plant that has a similar taste to licorice.  The liqueur typically has an alcohol content of 24 to 29 percent, and is commonly enjoyed on its own.  You can buy aguardiente from most liquor stores in the United States, with prices ranging from $15 to $35.

Pisco Sour

The national cocktail of Peru, the Pisco Sour is a refreshing way to experience the country.  Pisco is a highly alcoholic brandy made by distilling grape wine.  Spanish settlers in the 16th developed the drink as a solution to importing alcohol from Europe, and it has been fundamental to regional cuisine since.  You can make your own Pisco Sour by blending 3 oz. of Pisco, 1 oz. lime juice, 1 oz. simple syrup, and .5 oz. of egg whites with ice, and adding three drops of bitters.

Caipirinha 

Caipirinha is native to Brazil and emerged in the early 20th century, allegedly as a remedy for Spanish flu patients.  Its primary ingredient is cachaça, a hard liquor made from distilled fresh sugarcane juice.  You can enjoy a Caipirinha by muddling half a lime and two teaspoons of brown sugar in an Old Fashioned glass.  Then you simply fill the glass with crushed ice and add about 2 oz. of cachaça. 

Beer

If cocktails aren’t your poison, there are many quality beers brewed in South America as well.  Peruvian Cristal is a full-flavored, refreshing beer that’s great for easy drinking.  Similarly, Venezuela’s Polar is a perfect cool-down drink in the dog days of summer.  For a heavier lager, try the Ecuadorian Club Roja, which is darker than the previous two beers with a malt flavor.

An aspiring journalist, Katie enjoys learning about the world firsthand through travel. Her main area of interest is Spain and Spanish culture, however, she is open to going anywhere and everywhere she has the chance. To Katie, the most important part of the travel experience is documenting it.

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