The Perfect Cherry Pisco Sour for Christmas

Are you looking for a festive cocktail with a unique flair? A cherry pisco sour is a vibrant, elegant drink that's perfect for the holiday season. Our Christmas pisco sour recipe uses rich cherry and warm vanilla notes to create a delightful holiday cocktail. This is your ultimate guide to crafting a show-stopping pisco sour that will impress all your guests.

This festive cocktail takes the classic pisco sour and infuses it with seasonal flavors, making it a perfect fit for holiday parties. The combination of sweet and tart from the cherry and lemon, along with a hint of warm spice from the vanilla bitters, makes for a complex and satisfying sip.

What is a Cherry Pisco Sour?

The pisco sour is a classic South American cocktail, known for its frothy head and balanced sweet and sour profile. A cherry pisco sour simply adds a fruity, festive twist to this timeless recipe. The cherry juice provides a beautiful color and a depth of flavor that complements the floral notes of pisco. This particular recipe also uses a touch of vanilla to evoke the cozy, comforting flavors of Christmas.

The Christmas Pisco Sour Cocktail Recipe

Ready to make a cocktail that is both beautiful and delicious? Here are the exact ingredients and step-by-step instructions for a single serving.

Ingredients

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• 2 oz Pisco
• 1 oz Sour Cherry Juice
• 0.5 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1 oz Aquafaba
• 3 healthy dashes of El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters

Instructions: How to Make a Pisco Sour for the Holidays

Follow these steps to create a perfectly balanced drink with a luscious foam.

1. Dry Shake (without ice): In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients except the ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This is the "dry shake," a crucial step for emulsifying the aquafaba and creating a rich, velvety foam.
2. Wet Shake (with ice): Fill the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for an additional 30-60 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well chilled and a thick foam has formed.
3. Double Strain: Double strain the mixture into a glorious vintage coupe or Nick & Nora glass. This double straining removes any small bits of ice and ensures a silky-smooth texture for the foam.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, perhaps on a retro tray, and savor the festive flavors.

Tips for the Perfect Pisco Sour

• The Dry Shake is Key: Do not skip the dry shake. This is what creates the iconic, thick foam on top of the cocktail, giving it a professional finish.
• The Role of Aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, is a fantastic vegan alternative to egg whites. It provides the same frothy texture without the need for animal products.
• Fresh Juice Matters: For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice can be overly acidic and lacks the bright, fresh taste.

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 the difference between a Pisco Sour and a Whiskey Sour?

A Pisco Sour uses pisco, a type of brandy from Peru or Chile, as its base spirit. A Whiskey Sour, as its name implies, uses whiskey. Both are known for having a frothy head, typically from egg whites or aquafaba.

What is Aquafaba and why is it used?

Aquafaba is the liquid found in a can of chickpeas. It is used as a vegan substitute for egg whites in cocktails because its protein structure allows it to whip up into a stable, meringue-like foam, providing a beautiful texture and mouthfeel to the drink.

How does vanilla flavor fit into a pisco sour?

While not traditional, the addition of a few dashes of El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters adds a layer of warmth and complexity that pairs beautifully with the cherry and complements the floral notes of the pisco, making it a perfect holiday version.