Peruvian cuisine continues to attract food lovers from all around the world, and one of the top reasons why travelers visit Peru is to experience its delicious and diverse flavors. We Peruvians are proud of our rich culinary traditions, which reflect our nation’s cultural identity, from iconic dishes like ceviche to hearty plates like lomo saltado.
But beyond food, Peru is also known for its traditional drinks. Whether you’re looking for refreshing nonalcoholic options or want to explore the best alcoholic beverages, these must-try Peruvian drinks are an essential part of the local experience.
From drinks that pair perfectly with your meal to those you’ll enjoy on their own, these beverages showcase the best of Peruvian culture. So, without further ado, let’s explore the traditional drinks in Peru that you simply can’t miss on your next visit!
Alcoholic Drinks
Pisco Sour
Pisco is a delightful Peruvian grape spirit with a rich history from colonial times. Spanish settlers brought vines to the region, and the name “pisco” comes from the Quechua word pishcu, which means “bird.” It also honors a group of talented pre-Inca potters called piskos, who crafted conical pots for storing liquids, including grape liquor.
Recently, Peru has embraced its heritage by claiming the designation of origin for pisco, ensuring its production meets high standards. One of the most famous drinks made with pisco is the Pisco Sour, which has a fun story behind it.
This cocktail emerged in the 1920s, with some historians believing it was first made at the Morris Bar in Lima, owned by Víctor Morris, or at the Maury Hotel, where they added egg white and bitters to the mix.
The Pisco Sour quickly became a favorite in Lima’s stylish hotels. In 2007, it was proudly recognized as Peru’s Cultural Heritage. Every year, we celebrate Pisco Sour Day on the first Sunday of February, honoring this iconic drink and the joy it brings to many.
Beer
It’s interesting to note that beer is more consumed even than pisco in Peru. Our most emblematic beer is “cusqueña” (Cusco woman). Its color, aroma, and bitterness make it the right option to try a real Peruvian beer. Other brands such as the Lagers Pilsen or Cristal are also available.
The last one is similar to the Mexican beer “Corona”. Cusqueña beer was produced in Cusco, but due to the high demand, they moved to Lima where you can find the facilities where they make it following the original recipe.
Chilcano
The Chilcano is a delightful Peruvian cocktail that many people enjoy, especially during the lively summer celebrations in Lima. Its refreshing and tangy taste comes from a wonderful mix of ingredients: pisco, Peru’s national liquor, along with lemon and ginger ale.
This beverage’s intriguing history dates back to the late 1800s and is linked to the racial and cultural diversity of Peru. It was invented by Italian immigrants in Peru to replace pisco for grappa in their “Buongiorno” drink.
Soon, a lot of people were won over by this new mix’s distinct flavor. The name Chilcano reflects its resemblance to a tangy fish broth of the same name. Its simple recipe and easy preparation make it a perfect choice for social gatherings.
Since 2010, Chilcano Week has been celebrated every January. This fun event includes tastings, pairings, and activities that shine a spotlight on the cocktail and showcase the amazing qualities of pisco to the world.
Chicha
Chicha de Jora is a captivating Peruvian drink made from corn, with a rich history dating back over 500 years to the Inca Empire. This special beverage is expertly crafted from white or yellow corn, known as “Jora.” It played a vital role in Incan ceremonies and daily life, as people believed it brought them closer to their gods and ancestors.
Inca royalty savored it from special keros vessels during significant events. Chicha de Jora’s story is indeed captivating. Fermented corn malt was discovered by chance during the reign of Inca Tupac Yupanqui, after heavy rains.
In colonial times, chicha was presented to Spanish conquistadors as a gesture of peace, though sometimes misunderstood. In Peru, each region offers its own special take on chicha, and it’s a real treat to explore! For example, if you’re in Cusco, you can try the sweet strawberry-flavored Frutillada.
Over in Arequipa, there’s the unique Chicha de Guiñapo, which is made from black or purple corn. Chicha de Jora is another gem that adds amazing flavor and texture to dishes like “seco de Cordero” and “Anticuchos”.
Algarrobina
The algarrobo tree is a cherished part of Peru’s culinary heritage, especially in the northern regions. Its fragrant wood adds a unique aroma to dishes, making meals even more delightful. In Peru, farmers also use the tree’s pods to nourish goats, which enhances the flavor of their meat, an important ingredient in many local recipes.
Plus, the tree produces a sweet syrup called algarrobina, which is a favorite in various dishes, including the well-known Algarrobina cocktail. The Algarrobina cocktail is enjoyed for its creamy, sweet taste, often compared to eggnog. Many people love its caramel-like flavor and appreciate its potential health benefits, like supporting healthy skin and helping with anemia.
Non Alcoholic Drinks
Frutillada
Although this drink may contain an alcoholic percentage, it’s low compared to chicha de jora, and actually is consumed by young people, even children. Its sweet and strawberry-esque flavor is irresistible for many. You can drink it with tiny strawberries inside, and cinnamon powder on the top.
Coca Tea
To combat the symptoms of altitude sickness, try this beverage brewed with coca leaves. It is quite popular in the Andes and is said to taste like green tea. We recommend that, if you are likely to be subjected to a drug test at work, you should avoid drinking Coca-Cola tea.
Emoliente
This Peruvian typical drink is on the list of Peruvian street food. “Emoliente” is a mix of herbs such as horsetail, barley, lemon verbena, chamomile, lemon balm, cinnamon, and quince, among others.
They said that it has medicinal properties, and it’s perfect for winter. Wherever the part you’re in Peru, you’ll see ladies in small stands and different kinds of bottles between them. We totally recommend trying at least once this hot and revitalizing drink.
Peruvian Fruit Juices
Thanks to its blessed geography, you’ll find different kinds of fruits in Peru some of them native such as lucuma, camu camu, chirimoya, and more. We encourage you to try all of these fruits but also the juices made from them.
These delicious juices are available everywhere, from bustling markets to cafes, and even fancy restaurants. Especially in markets, some ladies add eggs, milk, and even cusqueña beer to their juice mixes. We’re sure you’ll enjoy drinking healthy and thick fruit juice when you come to Peru!
Chicha Morada
This classic Peruvian drink was also consumed by the Incas and even pre-inca peoples. This classic Peruvian drink is made by boiling Peruvian fruits, cloves, pineapple peel, and rich purple maize. Its characteristic color and its flavor make “Chicha Morada” unique.
In Peru, you can find this drink everywhere: From upscale dining establishments to private residences. If you can add a slight touch of lemon juice it’ll become even more delicious.
Inca Kola
The last drink on our list is Inca Kola, a beloved Peruvian soda that captures attention with its bright yellow color and sweet, bubblegum-like flavor. The journey of Inca Kola began in 1910 when an English couple, Joseph Robinson Lindley and his wife Martha Stoppanie, started making homemade carbonated drinks in Ica City.
They offered delightful flavors like lemon verbena and banana, but it was during Lima’s 400th anniversary in 1935 that Inca Kola really shined and gained fame throughout the country.
The youngest Lindley child played an important part in refreshing the brand, and it quickly became a favorite in many Peruvian households, especially with traditional meals. To dominate the market, Coca-Cola joined Peru in 1999.
However, they found it tough to match Inca Kola’s popularity. Eventually, Coca-Cola chose to buy Inca Kola while keeping its unique branding. Today, Inca Kola remains a cherished symbol of Peru, enjoyed by people both in Peru and around the globe.
We hope you’ll try all these drinks we showed you! Make sure to drink it when you eat our food, you’ll see that there’s no better combination. When in Peru, choose Viagens Machu Picchu.
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