The Rumours Cocktail: A Perfect Pisco Cocktail Recipe

Featured by Liquor.com and once served behind the bar at Root, a now-shuttered restaurant and bar in the Garden District of New Orleans, this pisco cocktail is an herbaceous masterpiece. The Rumours Cocktail is a truly unique drink, known for its complex flavor profile that balances the bright notes of pisco and citrus with the rich, deep flavors of tawny port and our signature bitters. Our guide will show you how to craft this classic pisco cocktail right in your own home.

The Rumours Cocktail Recipe

This recipe is designed to make one perfectly balanced cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Sandeman 20-year tawny port
• 1 oz Macchu Pisco
• 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 dash freshly squeezed lime juice
• 4 dashes El Guapo® Cuban Bitters
• .25 oz egg white
• 4 dashes El Guapo® Love Potion #9 Bitters
• 1 dallop Luxardo maraschino cherry syrup
• Lemon twist & Luxardo maraschino cherry, for garnish if desired

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Dry Shake: In a clean, dry shaker, combine the port, pisco, orange juice, lime juice, El Guapo® Cuban Bitters, and egg white. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds without ice. This "dry shake" is crucial for emulsifying the egg white and creating a frothy texture.
2. Wet Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake again until the mixture is well-chilled. This step dilutes and cools the drink to the perfect temperature.
3. Strain & Pour: Strain the cocktail from the shaker into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Finish & Garnish: Carefully top the drink with the El Guapo® Love Potion #9 Bitters and the Luxardo maraschino cherry syrup. Garnish with a twist of lemon and a Luxardo maraschino cherry before serving.

Why this Pisco Cocktail is a Masterpiece

The key to a truly phenomenal pisco cocktail lies in the details. This drink is a masterclass in balance, with each ingredient playing a crucial role. The pisco provides a crisp, grape-forward base, which is complemented by the rich, nutty notes of the tawny port. The citrus juices add a necessary brightness. The real magic, however, comes from the El Guapo® Cuban Bitters, which lend a herbaceous complexity, while the Love Potion #9 Bitters introduce a subtle, floral sweetness. This blend of ingredients elevates the Rumours Cocktail from a simple drink to a memorable experience.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dry shake in a cocktail recipe?

A dry shake is a technique of shaking cocktail ingredients without ice. This is most often used when a recipe includes egg white or cream to emulsify the ingredients and create a rich, frothy texture before the drink is chilled and diluted with ice.

What does the Rumours Cocktail taste like?

The Rumours Cocktail has a complex and multi-layered flavor. It begins with the bright, fruity notes of pisco and orange, which are quickly followed by a rich, nutty flavor from the port. The herbaceous and aromatic notes from the bitters tie all the flavors together, creating a balanced and sophisticated drink.

What makes this different from other pisco cocktails?

Unlike more common pisco cocktail recipes like a Pisco Sour, the Rumours Cocktail is not just sweet and sour. The addition of tawny port and two distinct types of bitters gives it a unique depth and herbaceous complexity that sets it apart.