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With a subtle hint of spice and fruit, and its gorgeous red-violet hue, this unique Chicha Morada and Pisco Cocktail is sure to delight at your next cocktail party or elegant summer soirée! And if you're looking for ideas, be sure to scroll all the way down. It's time for Progressive Eats (our virtual progressive dinner party)!

A Truly Unique Cocktail
Chicha Morada and Pisco Cocktail combines 3 separate and distinct components into 1 easy-sipping adult beverage. You'll need:
- PISCO! (More on this if you keep reading)
- Dry (white) vermouth or Cocchi Rosa
- My homemade Chica Morada or buy it on Amazon
- Ginger Simple Syrup from this recipe or buy it on Amazon
- Optional garnish - lime twist and/or pineapple chunk
A Bit About Pisco
IN the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. But after such hard work, he was thirsty. And thus could think of nothing better than to create the grape and, from its fruit, make a fine spirit. He called it PISCO. And he saw that it was good. And it became the elixir of other gods. Later, he continued to entertain himself creating the animals, plants and the rest of the world.
Pisco is Peruvian. Trust me. Chile claims pisco, but their standards do not produce the elixir of the gods we've come to know and love in Peru.
Finding Pisco in the US is not the "wild goose chase" it once was, although you may not find a large selection of brands. Having done 3 month-long trips to Peru, we have had opportunities to taste many brands; for purposes of this cocktail, whatever brand you are able to find will be fine!
One of our first stops when landing in Cuzco is the Museo del Pisco. You'll find a lot of interesting information on their website...
About Chicha Morada
If you follow Beyond Mere Sustenance, you may have seen a very recent post for Peruvian Chicha Morada (aka purple corn drink)? In short, chicha morada is the quintessential non-alcoholic beverage of Peru. Of course it's best when made "in house!"
My recipe for Peruvian Chicha Morada may require either ordering dried purple corn from Amazon, or doing some major shopping. With an Instant Pot, you can make a batch in about an hour that will provide about 5-6 cups of the lovely liquid for drinking over ice or included in other recipes.
I am currently working on a recipe for a traditional Peruvian Mazamorra Morada Pudding - a warm pudding with subtle spice and garnished with fresh fruit. I hope to play with a frozen ice cream or sorbet before the summer is over. 😃
Making a Chicha Morada Pisco Cocktail
Whether your ingredients are homemade or not, gather them along with a cocktail shaker and a jigger (or similar).
After adding ice to the shaker, add the pisco, vermouth or Cocchi, and ginger syrup. Shake vigorously for a slow count of ten. Strain into a coupe or martini glass, and garnish as (or if) desired. Enjoy!
Imagine this stunning, unique cocktail at your next summer soirée! 🥂 And for even more inspiration:
Welcome to Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. This month's theme is all about an elegant summer evening celebration, and our host is Barb who blogs at Creative Culinary. This event is celebrating five years of bringing together great cooks, concepts, and especially great food through the collaboration of Progressive Eats.
If you're unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats it's a virtual party. A theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out. Come along and see all of the deliciousness we've put together for our celebration inspired dishes!
Elegant Summer Evening Soirée!
Beverages
Hugo Cocktail - Refreshing Summer Delight
This refreshing summer drink features elderflower liqueur and Prosecco, with fresh lime and mint. It's a fabulous way to stay cool.
Chicha Morada and Pisco Cocktail
With a subtle hint of spice and fruit, and its gorgeous red-violet hue, this unique Chicha Morada and Pisco Cocktail is sure to delight at your next cocktail party or elegant summer soirée!
Appetizers
Roasted Tomato Crostini with Herbed Ricotta (Gluten Free)
These Roasted Tomato Crostini with Herbed Ricotta are the perfect appetizer. Crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor, they are easy to make and a great way to use summer produce.
Shrimp Cocktail Louis
Shrimp Cocktail Louis harkens back to an era when shrimp cocktail was the ultimate in elegance! This modern twist which includes Sriracha hot sauce is the perfect party food!
Bread
Cheesy Pull-Apart Pesto Bread {easy, 4 ingredients}
People will go crazy for this pesto-stuffed cheesy bread that's like garlic knots gone wild. Cross cutting the bread make it easy to pull apart.
Main Courses
Steamed Clams with White Wine, Pancetta and Basil
Peppery pancetta, sweet red onions, meaty clams … This Steamed Clams with White Wine, Pancetta and Basil recipe has a symphony of flavors that make it delightful.
Side Dishes
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction is a quick and classic salad that is easy to put together. It is dishes like these that speak volumes about how delicious simple food can be. A few basic ingredients and you have yourself one of the most loved salads in the world.
Tomato and Fennel Salad
This tomato and Fennel Salad is elegant, light, and refreshing.
Desserts
Chocolate Cherry Cake with Mascarpone Frosting | Creative Culinary
A rich chocolate cake and an equally rich Mascarpone buttercream are highlighted with a compote of fresh cherries. Not surprisingly, this Chocolate Cherry Cake with Mascarpone Frosting is my new favorite!
Lavender Lemon Panna Cotta by The Redhead Baker
Lavender Lemon Panna Cotta is a no-bake custard set with gelatin. The custard is flavored with lavender buds and lemon juice. Serve with a berry sauce for a delicious dessert!
Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache
Tender, moist chocolate cake filled with white chocolate ganache and finished off with a thick layer of chocolate frosting!
Chicha Morada and Pisco Cocktail
Useful Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces pisco
- 1 ounce dry white vermouth or Cocchi Rosa - see Notes below
- 1 ½ ounces chicha morada
- ½ ounce ginger simple syrup
- lime twist and/or pineapple chunk - optional
Instructions
- Add the liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker about half full of ice.
- Shake vigorously to a slow count of 10.
- Strain into a coupe or martini glass
- Garnish as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
NOTE: Macronutrients are an approximation only using unbranded ingredients and MyFitnessPal.com. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
Carol Borchardt says
You always come up with the most interesting recipes and cocktails and the color of that cocktail is stunning!
What a beautiful cocktail for the holidays. My husband has traveled to South America on business and enjoyed various cocktails so I know he'll enjoy this. Just need to round up some of those ingredients!
Tamara says
Thanks Carol! We eat (and drink) with our eyes, right?
Laura @motherwouldknow says
I've loved following your Peruvian adventures and now I can enjoy a legit Peruvian cocktail while I check out your amazing photos and descriptions. I adore ginger in all its forms, so this drink is particularly up my alley. I probably won't do every bit homemade, but can definitely manage the homemade ginger simple syrup.
Tamara says
I agree with your thinking 100%! The chicha morada is a bit time-consuming, and in a cocktail, it's not going to make a huge difference... Ginger simple syrup, on the other hand, is so simple (and delicious)!
I must admit I'm missing those Peruvian adventures. 😉
Ansh says
I first want to start with making my chicha morada! What a beautiful introduction to a great cultural tradition! From there I will graduate to making this cocktail. Thank you for introducing me to something new and exciting!
Tamara says
Yay! That makes me happy Ansh! There is nothing like homemade chicha morada, and once you've got it made, you can include it in other recipes (or just drink it solo with ice)!
Jane says
What a perfect way to kick off our celebration! I love Pisco, it is one of my favorite liquors to cook with, and in this drink, I know it would be spectacular. They are so gorgeous, what beauties! Thanks for sharing a new-to-me treat!
Tamara says
Thanks so much Jane! And Pisco finds its way into my cooking occasionally as well! We love its unique flavor...
Karen says
It's gorgeous! I have everything but the red stuff darn it!! Time to go to the store.
Tamara says
That darn chicha morada! Lol. You can always order it from Amazon. 😉