Know what’s awesome? Pisco. Need proof? Try a Lavender Pisco Sour (you’re welcome, by the way). What if, however, you’re in the mood for something gingery? Something a little more like a Moscow Mule? Then you’re in luck! Try a Portónero.

When Alice and I were adventuring in Peru, we fell in love with pisco. In fact, at a pisco tasting spot (of which there are many, but this one purported to be a museum of such things, so we couldn’t not) in Cuzco we got to try a good dozen. It was a tough job, but we were up to the task.

There we were able to pick up the subtle differences between individual piscos. The owner was so impressed with (let’s say our discerning palettes and descriptive ability, not our ability to down all of them, then get a cocktail afterwards) us that he asked if we were bar owners ourselves. Nope! Just discerning drinkers.

One of the better piscos you can find? Pisco Portón. They’ve been making it longer than anyone — and if it’s survived and thrived since 1684 (making it the oldest distillery in the Americas), it’s good enough for us.

When our friends at Pisco Portón sent us a bottle, we wanted to introduce people to a different cocktail than a Pisco Sour. We love those (and encourage everyone to have at least one a week), but figured we’d take this opportunity to broaden horizons.

Enter the Portónero. This is one of those devilishly simple cocktails that are both easy to make and easy to drink. A two-fer for glory!

Here’s what you need: limes, bitters, pisco and ginger beer. Difficulty is low. I repeat, difficulty is low.

As I promised upfront, if you like a Moscow Mule, but want a little more character, then this is for you.

Now, grab yourself some pisco, get some limes and let’s head to Peru with the Portónero!

 

January 15th, 2016 | by morgan