Drinks

★★★ Pisco Sour

The national cocktail of Peru (and a point of contention with Chile!): Pisco (grape brandy from Ica), fresh lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters. Perfectly mixed, it has a velvety foam crown, is tart-sweet, and dangerously easy to drink — especially at altitude! The first Saturday in February is the official "Día del Pisco Sour".

Other Cocktails

• Chilcano: Pisco with ginger ale and lime — lighter than Pisco Sour, refreshing
• Pisco Punch: Pisco with pineapple juice and citrus — perfect for hot days in Lima

★★★ Chicha Morada

The favorite drink of Peru — and a surprise for every first-time visitor: a deep purple, ice-cold juice made from purple corn (Maíz Morado), cooked with cinnamon, cloves, pineapple, and lime. No alcohol, but full of flavor — fruity, spicy, unique. Available in every restaurant and at every street stand.

Other Drinks

• Mate de Coca (Coca Tea): The lifesaver in the highlands! A mild, slightly bitter tea made from coca leaves, which helps against altitude sickness. Free in every highland hotel. Coca leaves are legal in Peru and have nothing to do with cocaine.
• Inca Kola: Peru's best-selling drink — bright yellow, tasting like bubble gum. Adored by Peruvians, for Europeans... an acquired taste. A must-try!
• Chicha de Jora: Fermented corn beer — the drink of the Incas, still freshly brewed in rural areas today. Slightly alcoholic, tart. Served in "Chicherías" (identified by the red flag/flower above the door).
• Emoliente: A warm herbal drink made from barley, flaxseed, aloe vera, and lime, sold by street vendors in the evenings. Said to soothe stomach ailments.
• Peruvian Beer: Cusqueña (the best), Pilsen Callao, Arequipeña, Cristal. All decent lagers. Craft beer scene growing in Lima and Cusco.
• Coffee: Peru is one of the world's largest organic coffee producers! Excellent single-origin coffee from Chanchamayo or Jaén can be found in specialized cafés in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.