Chilcano
A Peruvian highball of pisco, lime, ginger beer or ginger ale, and bitters.
Base spirit
Pisco
Style
Highball
Glassware
Highball glass
Technique
Build
The Chilcano is Peru’s everyday pisco highball: pisco and lime topped with ginger beer or ginger ale, often with a dash of Angostura. It is brighter and spicier than a Pisco Sour and easier to build for a crowd. Served tall over ice, it is a summer and brunch natural.
Ingredients
Servings
- • 2 oz pisco
- • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- • 4 oz ginger beer
- • 1 dash Angostura bitters optional
Did you know?
“Chilcanos are as common as Pisco Sours in Peru for casual drinking—pisco’s highball form rather than its shaken showpiece.”
Source:Peruvian bar practice; pisco category guides
Bartender's Note
Ginger beer is spicier; ginger ale is softer. A dash of Angostura is traditional in many Peruvian bars.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the Chilcano
- 1Fill a highball with ice
- 2Add pisco and lime
- 3Top with ginger beer and stir once
- 4Optional Angostura dash; garnish with lime
