International Pisco Sour Day

International Pisco Sour Day is observed on the first Saturday in February. In 2026, it falls on February 7. This holiday celebrates Peru’s national cocktail and its primary ingredient, pisco, a grape brandy produced in the winemaking regions of Peru. It is a day of national pride in its home country, where it was officially established by government decree in 2004. Beyond South America, the day serves as a global promotion of Peruvian gastronomy, encouraging bartenders and enthusiasts around the world to prepare and enjoy this classic citrus-based drink.

History of International Pisco Sour Day

The origins of the pisco sour trace back to the early 20th century in Lima, Peru. Most historians attribute the invention of the cocktail to Victor Vaughen Morris, an American expatriate who opened Morris’ Bar in 1916. Morris originally created the drink as a variation of the whiskey sour, substituting the whiskey with local Peruvian pisco. While the initial version was a simpler mix of pisco, lime juice, and sugar, it quickly became a favorite among the city’s aristocrats and international visitors.

The cocktail reached its modern form in the late 1920s through the work of Mario Bruiget, a Peruvian bartender at Morris’ Bar. Bruiget refined the recipe by adding egg whites to create a silky, foamy head and a few drops of Angostura bitters to balance the aroma. After Morris’ Bar closed in 1929, the recipe was adopted by grand hotels like the Hotel Maury and the Gran Hotel Bolívar, where it became a symbol of Peruvian hospitality. Recognizing its cultural weight, the Peruvian government declared the pisco sour a part of the National Cultural Patrimony in 2007.

Why is International Pisco Sour Day important?

The pisco sour is more than a beverage; it is a flagship product that represents Peruvian identity and agricultural heritage. This day is important because it provides a platform for pisco producers in regions like Ica, Arequipa, and Moquegua to showcase the specific “Denomination of Origin” standards that govern the spirit’s production. Unlike other brandies, Peruvian pisco is distilled to proof and never aged in wood or diluted with water, making it a pure expression of the grape. The holiday highlights these artisanal methods and protects the integrity of the spirit against international competition.

On a social level, the day fosters unity and boosts the local economy through large-scale festivals and gastronomic fairs. It encourages the pairing of the cocktail with other traditional dishes, such as ceviche, thereby promoting the entire Peruvian culinary industry. Internationally, the day helps put Peru on the map for spirit enthusiasts, ensuring the pisco sour maintains its status as one of the world’s 50 best-selling classic cocktails. It serves as a reminder of the historical migration and cultural exchange that led to the creation of this iconic South American drink.

• It celebrates the 1920s invention of Peru’s national cocktail.
• The day supports local grape growers and pisco distilleries.
• It promotes the specific technical standards of Peruvian pisco production.
• Highlighting the drink helps expand the global market for Peruvian spirits.
• The holiday encourages the preservation of historic bars and hotels in Lima.

How to Celebrate International Pisco Sour Day

The most authentic way to celebrate is by mixing a pisco sour using the traditional 3-1-1 ratio: three parts pisco, one part simple syrup, and one part fresh lime juice. To achieve the signature texture, add one egg white and shake the mixture vigorously with ice before straining it into a chilled glass. Garnishing the foam with exactly three drops of Angostura bitters is a critical final step, as the bitters provide an aromatic contrast to the tartness of the lime. If you are not making the drink at home, visiting a Peruvian restaurant or a high-end cocktail bar is a great way to experience a professional preparation.

In Peru, the festivities often take place in public squares where fountains have been known to flow with pisco and local municipalities host free tastings. You can participate by attending live cocktail-making demonstrations or watching competitions where bartenders vie for the title of the best pisco sour. For those interested in the history of the spirit, the day is an excellent time to book a tour of a traditional distillery to see the copper stills used in production. Sharing your celebration on social media helps raise the profile of the cocktail and introduces the unique flavors of Peru to a wider audience.

• Prepare a classic pisco sour using the 3-1-1 recipe at home.
• Visit a Peruvian restaurant to pair the drink with fresh ceviche.
• Watch a tutorial on the proper “dry shake” technique for egg whites.
• Attend a pisco tasting event or a local mixology workshop.
• Learn about the different types of pisco grapes like Quebranta or Italia.

International Pisco Sour Day Dates Table