Piscola Cocktail Recipe

The Piscola is a simple yet beloved cocktail hailing from Chile. It's a staple at social gatherings and a favorite among those who appreciate the unique flavor of Pisco, a grape brandy produced in the winemaking regions of Chile and Peru.

• Origins
  • The drink gained popularity in the 1980s during the Pinochet regime.
  • It's often associated with Chilean national pride.
• Popularity
  • Enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, especially during festive occasions.
• Cultural Significance
  • The Piscola is more than just a cocktail; it's a part of Chilean identity.

The Piscola offers a refreshing taste with a balance of sweet and bitter notes. The Pisco provides a floral and fruity undertone, while the cola adds a familiar caramel-like sweetness and effervescence. The lime slice introduces a zesty tang, making it a well-rounded and invigorating drink.

• The name 'Piscola' is a portmanteau of 'Pisco' and 'Cola'.
• In Chile, the 8th of February is celebrated as 'Pisco Sour Day', but Piscola also enjoys its share of the limelight.
• Piscola is sometimes referred to as 'Combinado' or 'Chilean National Cocktail'.

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour 1.7 oz of Pisco over the ice.
3. Top with 3.4 oz of cola.
4. Stir gently with a mixing spoon.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime on the rim of the glass.

• For a truly authentic experience, use a Chilean Pisco brand.
• Chill the glass beforehand to keep the drink colder for longer.
• Adjust the ratio of Pisco to cola to suit your taste preferences.

Food Pairings

• Chilean Empanadas: The hearty and spiced nature of empanadas pairs beautifully with the crisp and refreshing Piscola, as the cocktail can help cleanse the palate after each savory bite.
• Seafood Ceviche: The citrus notes from the lime in the cocktail complement the acidity and freshness of a seafood ceviche, making it a delightful combination.
• BBQ Ribs: Piscola's bold flavors can hold up to the richness of BBQ ribs, with the cola's sweetness matching that sticky glaze on the ribs.
• Salted Nuts: A classic bar snack, salted nuts offer a simple yet tasty pairing, with the saltiness enhancing the sweet and potent flavors of the Piscola.

Drinks Pairings

• Chilled Beer: For those who enjoy mixing their spirits, a cold beer on the side is a traditional 'yin to the yin', offering a contrasting bubbly and malty profile.
• Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips, sparkling water is a refreshing choice.

• Pisco: If you can't find Chilean Pisco, Peruvian Pisco can be used as a substitute.
• Cola: Any brand of cola will work, though some prefer the taste of Coca-Cola or Pepsi.

Smoky Piscola

Ingredients: 1.7 oz Smoky Pisco, 3.4 oz Cola, Ice cubes, Lime wheel

Replace the regular Pisco with a smoky variety to add a mysterious whiff of bonfires to your drink. This twist is for those who like to walk on the wild side of the taste spectrum. The dance of smoke with the sweet cola creates a hauntingly delicious sip.

Spiced Piscola

Ingredients: 1.7 oz Pisco, 3.4 oz Spiced Cola, Ice cubes, Lime wheel

Here's an exotic spin, swap regular cola for a spiced cola laced with cinnamon and other spices. It will feel like Christmas came early, or like drinking a carnival in a glass. The warmth of the spices will waltz with the Pisco in a way that'll make your taste buds tango.

Green Garden Piscola

Ingredients: 1.7 oz Pisco, 3.4 oz Herbal Cola (with notes of thyme, lavender), Ice cubes, Lime wheel

For the botanical enthusiast, mix up your Piscola with an herbal cola. The herby notes will make you feel like you're sipping your cocktail in a blooming meadow on a spring day, not your average Tuesday night tipple.