Chilcano de Pisco

The Chilcano de Pisco is Peru’s answer to the highball, a bright, refreshing drink built around the unique grape brandy known as Pisco. It is a simple, thirst-quenching mix of Pisco, ginger ale, and a splash of lime or lemon. This drink is a go-to for anyone wanting something light, effervescent, and easy to drink. It is a no-fuss cocktail that delivers a clear, distinctive flavor without being too boozy or complex.

Chilcano de Pisco

4.63 from 32 votes

Calories: 129kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 2 oz Brandy
▢ 1 tsp Lemon Juice
▢ 4 - 6 oz Ginger Ale

Instructions

▢
Pour the Peruvian Pisco into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Add a spoonful of lemon juice. then fill with Ginger ale. Serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 129kcal (6%)

Punch

Where it came from

The Chilcano de Pisco hails from Peru, specifically Lima, and gained traction in the early 20th century. It is a popular, ubiquitous drink in Peru, often enjoyed as an aperitif or a casual refresher. While its exact origins are a bit hazy, it is believed to have evolved from Italian immigrants’ use of ginger ale with grappa, adapted with local Pisco.

This drink fits squarely into the highball family, sharing DNA with classics like the Gin and Tonic or the Dark ‘n’ Stormy. Its defining characteristic is the Pisco base, which sets it apart from other spirit-and-soda combinations. Unlike a Pisco Sour, the Chilcano skips the egg white and sugar, leaning into a more direct, clean flavor profile.

You will find Chilcanos everywhere from bustling Lima bars to casual beachside cafes. It is a common order for a sunny afternoon, a pre-dinner drink, or a relaxed evening with friends. This is not a cocktail for a quiet, intimate setting, but rather for lively social gatherings where easy drinking is the priority.

What it tastes like

The Chilcano de Pisco starts with a bright, aromatic hit from the Pisco, often carrying notes of grape, citrus, or even floral undertones. The mid-palate introduces the spicy, effervescent kick of ginger ale, balancing the spirit’s fruitiness with a refreshing bite. The finish is clean, crisp, and slightly dry, leaving a pleasant ginger warmth and a hint of citrus.

Using 2 ounces of Pisco at 40 percent ABV, in a drink that totals around 7 to 8 ounces, puts the Chilcano de Pisco at roughly 10-12 percent ABV. This makes it less potent than many spirit-forward cocktails, which often hover around 20 percent ABV or higher. It is comparable to a strong glass of wine or a slightly stronger craft beer, making it a sessionable option.

The technique

Building a Chilcano is straightforward. Grab a highball glass and fill it with fresh ice. Pour in your measure of Pisco, then add a small dash of fresh lemon or lime juice. Top the whole thing off with ginger ale, aiming for a gentle pour to preserve the carbonation. Give it a quick, light stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing too much fizz.

The most important technique here is using plenty of fresh, solid ice. A well-chilled drink dilutes slower, keeping the ginger ale crisp and the Pisco’s flavors vibrant. If you skimp on the ice or use watery cubes, the drink will warm up too fast, become diluted, and lose its essential effervescence, turning flat and unappealing.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Peruvian Pisco

Use: Look for Pisco Puro or Acholado styles from reputable Peruvian producers like Barsol, La Caravedo, or Porton. Puro means it is made from a single grape varietal, while Acholado is a blend. Both work well, offering a range of aromatic profiles. Aim for 40-42 percent ABV.
Skip: Chilean Pisco. While also a grape brandy, it is distilled differently and has a distinct flavor profile that will change the character of a Chilcano. Do not use generic brandy either, as it lacks the specific grape aromatics.
Why: Pisco is the star of the show. Its unique grape-derived aromatics and clean, unaged character are what define a Chilcano. Without Pisco, you are just making a generic ginger highball.

Ginger Ale

Use: A good quality, not-too-sweet ginger ale is key. Brands like Canada Dry or Seagram’s work fine for a classic taste. For a stronger ginger kick, try Fever-Tree or Q Mixers, but be mindful of their increased sweetness or spice.
Skip: Ginger Beer. While delicious, ginger beer is much spicier and less sweet than ginger ale, fundamentally altering the drink’s balance. It is a different drink entirely.
Why: Ginger ale provides the crucial effervescence, sweetness, and a complementary ginger spice that brightens the Pisco without overpowering it. It is the refreshing backbone of the drink.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Chilcano de Maracuya

Tropical twist on the classic: Add 1 ounce of passion fruit puree or syrup along with the Pisco and lemon juice for a tart, tropical version of the Chilcano.

Chilcano de Ají Amarillo

Spicy and herbaceous: Muddle a thin slice of aji amarillo pepper with the Pisco before adding ice and ginger ale. This introduces a subtle heat and a distinct Peruvian pepper flavor.

Chilcano Rosado

Fruity and colorful: Incorporate a splash of grenadine or muddled raspberries for a touch of sweetness, fruit flavor, and a vibrant pink hue.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Peruvian Pisco?

While not ideal, a light, unaged grappa or even a very clean, unaged white rum could be a distant stand-in, but the unique grape notes will be lost.

No Lemon Juice?

Lime juice is an excellent, often preferred, substitute. It offers a slightly tarter, brighter citrus note that works very well.

No Ginger Ale?

Ginger beer can be used if you prefer a spicier, more intense ginger flavor, but it will significantly change the drink’s character. Topo Chico or club soda with a dash of ginger syrup is another option.

No Highball Glass?

Any tall, straight-sided glass will do the job. A pint glass or even a large tumbler works just fine for this casual drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Chilcano de Pisco?

A Chilcano de Pisco typically contains Peruvian Pisco, ginger ale, and a splash of lemon or lime juice.

Is Chilcano de Pisco sweet?

It is moderately sweet, primarily from the ginger ale. The Pisco and citrus add balance, preventing it from being overly sugary.

What type of Pisco is best for Chilcano?

Any good quality Peruvian Pisco works well. Pisco Puro (made from a single grape) or Acholado (a blend) are both excellent choices.

Is Chilcano de Pisco a strong drink?

It is a relatively light cocktail, similar in strength to a strong wine or a craft beer, making it quite refreshing and easy to drink.

Can I make a Chilcano with ginger beer instead of ginger ale?

Yes, but be aware that ginger beer is spicier and less sweet than ginger ale, which will result in a more assertive and less sweet drink.

What is the difference between a Chilcano and a Pisco Sour?

The Chilcano is a simple highball with Pisco, ginger ale, and citrus. The Pisco Sour is a more complex shaken cocktail with Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters.

What kind of ice should I use?

Use plenty of fresh, solid ice cubes. This keeps the drink cold and minimizes dilution, preserving the carbonation and flavor.

Is it served with a garnish?

A simple lemon or lime wheel or wedge is the most common garnish, adding a visual cue and extra citrus aroma.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read

Brandy, C, Ginger Ale, Lemon Juice, Photo, Punch Recipes, Recipe

Chilcano de Pisco

Chilcano de Pisco

Chilcano de Pisco

Ingredients

Instructions

Estimated Nutrition:

Where it came from

What it tastes like

The technique

Tell us what's in your cabinet.

One drink, one tip, one Tuesday a month.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peruvian Pisco

Ginger Ale

Three Variations

Chilcano de Maracuya

Chilcano de Ají Amarillo

Chilcano Rosado

What if I don't have…

Frequently Asked Questions

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