Pisco is a brandy, or aguardiente, distilled from white muscat grapes. First cultivated in the sixteenth century by Spanish settlers in South America, it is grown in the area around Pisco, Peru and in the Valle del río Elqui in central Chile, and was named for the conical pottery in which it was originally produced as well as for the name of its town of origin. The right to produce and promote pisco has been a source of tension, debate, and both national and international legal action between Peru and Chile as both claim rightful ownership of the "Pisco" denomination. It was introduced to North America during the California gold rush.

The Pisco Sour, an iconic cocktail in both Peru and Chile is a variation of the Whiskey Sour, and was invented in the early 1920s by Victor V. "Gringo" Morris at the Morris' Bar in Lima. It is a sweet blend of pisco, lemon or lime juice, egg whites, simple syrup, and regional bitters.

Peru has a National Pisco Sour Day, in honour of their national drink, which is celebrated on the first Saturday of February. Years ending in zero (like 2010) are of special significance. The theme is red and white (Peruvian flag colours), and when the Peruvian National Anthem is played all Pisco Sours must be finished as a mark of respect.

Ingredients:
• 2 ½ ounces Pisco
• ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon or lime
• ½ simple syrup (or sugar and ice to taste)
• 1 egg white
• angostura bitters
Preparation:
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine ingredients. Cover, shake vigorously, and strain into a cocktail glass. Top with a few drops of bitters. OR: In a blender, combine ice and ingredients, and then whirl until smooth. Serve in a cocktail glass with a dash of aromatic bitters and a wedge of lime. Note: Chilean Pisco is sweeter and has a slightly lower proof than Peruvian Pisco.

We had a wonderful Pisco Sour--probably the best in Toronto--at Babaluu Supper Club in Yorkville (see pics.) along with a delcious selection of tapas, and a free salsa dancing lesson. Light and refreshing, this was a sweet frothy treat!